Punjab CM Criticizes BBMB: Demands Replacement. Importance Explained.

Punjab CM Calls BBMB a “White Elephant”, Demands It Be Replaced – Here’s Why It Matters

CM Bhagwant Mann says Punjab won’t give extra water to other states; calls BBMB ‘useless’

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticized the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it a “white elephant” and demanding that it be restructured. He made this statement during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha focused on the state’s water rights.

What is BBMB?

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is a central government agency formed in 1966. Its main job is to manage the distribution of water and electricity from the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas projects across northern Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. It controls dams, canals, and power plants related to these rivers.

Why is Punjab upset?

CM Mann said that BBMB is not working fairly. According to him, BBMB takes decisions without asking Punjab and helps other states like Haryana and Rajasthan more—even though the rivers flow through Punjab. He believes that this is unfair and politically motivated, especially by the BJP-led central government.

He said, “Punjab’s water is being diverted secretly at night meetings, and this is not acceptable anymore.”

Groundwater crisis adds to the problem

CM Mann pointed out that 76.5% of Punjab’s blocks are overusing groundwater. Compared to Haryana, where 61.5% of blocks are overexploited, Punjab is in a worse condition.

“We don’t have any extra water left to give to other states,” he said. “We increased water supply to farms from 22% to 60% in three years, but the situation is still serious.”

BBMB vs Punjab: The Bigger Fight

CM Mann also warned that Haryana was demanding 8,500 cusecs of water, even though they only need 1,700 cusecs for drinking. Punjab, he said, had already helped Haryana on humanitarian grounds by giving 4,000 cusecs earlier, but now cannot provide any more.

He added that a recent BBMB meeting passed an illegal resolution forcing Punjab to send more water to Haryana. Mann said Punjab will not follow this order.

Political Clash and Himachal’s Silence

Mann also blamed the Himachal Pradesh Congress government for not attending the BBMB meeting, which weakened Punjab’s voting power. He said they silently supported Haryana. There was also a heated exchange with Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa during the discussion.

Punjab is done being generous—CM Mann makes it clear: “Not a single extra drop of water will be given. BBMB must change or go.”