Punjab-Haryana water dispute: Centre deploys CISF at Nangal Dam; BBMB to bear over Rs 8.58 cr for security
PTC Web Desk: Amid the escalating dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the distribution of river water, the Central Government has taken a major decision to ensure the security of key water infrastructure. The Centre has taken over the security of the Nangal Dam and has deployed a contingent of 296 personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to the site.
This move is widely viewed as an attempt by the Centre to sideline the Punjab Police from guarding the dam, a step that carries significant political and administrative implications for the state of Punjab.
BBMB to bear the cost of CISF deployment
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) will be responsible for bearing the cost of the deployment. The financial outlay amounts to a total of Rs 8,58,69,800, which translates to approximately Rs 2,90,100 per CISF personnel.
In addition to the deployment cost, the BBMB will also be responsible for managing the accommodation, transportation, and general welfare of the deployed personnel.
This development comes shortly after tensions flared up when the BBMB decided to release additional water to Haryana. In response, the Punjab Police increased its deployment at the Nangal Dam on May 1. The issue has since become a flashpoint in the ongoing inter-state water dispute.
The water-sharing matter is currently under judicial consideration. In a earlier hearing, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Punjab Government to ensure the release of water and instructed both the Punjab Government and Punjab Police to refrain from interfering in the operations of the BBMB, including the management of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam and the Lohar Control Room.
Furthermore, the High Court had left the decision of dam security to the BBMB, stating that the board could, if it deemed necessary, request central paramilitary forces to take over the dam's protection.
- PTC NEWS
