BBMB granted Haryana ‘one-time relaxation' without Punjab's indent or consent
Chandigarh: While the Punjab govt maintains its strong opposition, the
Bhakra Beas Management Board
(BBMB) is holding firm on its decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.As per the resolution passed by the BBMB on April 30 by a "majority vote", it had resolved to release 8,500 cusecs of water for eight days (April 24 to May 1), "as a one-time exception/relaxation" without "placing of indent" by Punjab.
The BBMB chairperson Manoj Tripathi had, meanwhile, assured to look after the needs of Punjab during the filling period.Later, during a meeting with the Union home secretary in New Delhi on May 2, the BBMB chairperson claimed that the Board's decision of April 30 could not be implemented due to "deployment of police force" by Punjab.At the BBMB meeting, Tripathi informed that the BBMB had faced similar situations in the past as well and the last such situation was during the year 2021. It was observed by the Board that the decision of the technical committee meeting (TCM) held on April 23, was not complied with by Punjab due to non-placement of indent to the BBMB due to objection by the Punjab govt after the TCM meeting, read the resolution.The Punjab member did not agree to this decision of extra water to Haryana beyond 4,000 cusecs, which is already being released at Haryana Contact Points (HCPs). The BBMB chairperson asked Haryana to place the indent directly to the BBMB with a copy to Punjab and Rajasthan for revised releases."Haryana will ensure releases to Rajasthan and Delhi so as to resolve the drinking water crisis in Rajasthan and submit a daily report to the BBMB after compliance. The member from Punjab did not agree with the above decision and recorded his objections," added the resolution."Since 8,500 cusecs was not released for 8 days (April 24 to May 1), the Board by majority resolved to release 8,500 cusecs with effect from May 1 for 8 days, even without placing the indent by Punjab, as a one-time exception/relaxation, which includes 500 cusecs to Rajasthan and 496 cusecs to Delhi. The chairperson of the BBMB stated that he would try to look after the needs of Punjab during the filling period," it read.The BBMB had also claimed that with the present inflow pattern, the levels of Bhakra as on May 20 (at the end of the depletion period) would be between 1,540-1,545 feet, which would be higher than the long-term average levels of Bhakra on that date and would also be higher than the minimum level decided by the TCM (1,506 feet).The BBMB also informed that the minimum draw-down level (MDDL) for Bhakra was 1,462 ft. It was also intimated that releases decided during the TCM were based upon many factors such as balance share quota, needs of states, storage available in the reservoir and monsoon predictions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).On May 1, however, the Punjab govt had swung into action to ensure "status quo" at the Nangal Dam. Led by minister Harjot Singh Bains, several AAP workers and locals had reached there and police deployment at the dam was also stepped up.'Water issue should not have escalated'According to the 'record of discussion' of the meeting convened by Union home secretary Govind Mohan on May 2, at the outset, he said the issue of releasing additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana "should have been resolved within the BBMB and must not have escalated".Punjab's principal secretary, water resources, however, said Haryana had exhausted its allocated share and Punjab would not allow additional 4,500 cusecs of water for the next 8 days. Punjab cited cotton sowing in May and paddy cultivation from June. However, the Union home secretary "concluded with directions", which included "to release 4,500 cusecs of extra water from Bhakra Dam to Haryana for next 8 days to meet their urgent water requirements".It was also agreed that during the filling period of dams, the BBMB will provide this excess water to Punjab to fulfil their additional requirements. The Punjab govt has, meanwhile, pointed out that no minutes of the meeting with the Union home secretary had been provided and only record of discussion and a press release were issued.MSID:: 121110051 413 |
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