Punjab seeks Rs 113 cr from Haryana for repair of Bhakra water carrier channels

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema today said that the state government was vigorously pursuing the recovery of the long-standing dues owed to the state by other partner states in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).In this regard, the state government had sought Rs 113 crore from Haryana, the minister said.Cheema criticised the previous SAD-BJP and Congress state governments, asserting that their neglect of Punjab’s interests in the BBMB allowed other states to draw more than their allocated share of water and failing to make timely payments.Addressing media here at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema confirmed that the Punjab Government had formally addressed these critical issues with the defaulting states. “Punjab’s long-standing BBMB liability, amounting to Rs 113.24 crore, has now been officially forwarded to the Haryana Government for settlement”, he added.Giving details, the FM said that a thorough reconciliation process, conducted by relevant Punjab officials, confirmed the outstanding amounts. “These include Rs 103.92 crore due to the XEN BML Canal Division, Patiala, and Rs 9.32 crore for the Mansa Canal Division, Jawaharke, all pertaining to the reimbursement of the actual expenditures incurred on the operation and maintenance of common carrier channels of the Bhakra systems”, said Cheema.

Addressing a query regarding the BBMB’s request for funds to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Cheema reiterated that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, representing the 3 crore people of the state, unanimously passed a resolution opposing the move. He further added that this resolution, which has been sent to both the Centre and the BBMB, expressed full confidence in the capability of the Punjab Police to secure the BBMB assets, emphasising that no mischievous elements had ever breached the security perimeter maintained by the Punjab Police.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to resolving outstanding BBMB issues, the Finance Minister emphasised that the AAP-led state government was resolute in safeguarding the state’s interests. He added that the government’s proactive stance was designed to protect and uphold the rights of Punjab and its residents.

Haryana Tribune