Chandigarh (National Times): A key reshuffle at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has raised eyebrows in Punjab amid an intensifying water-sharing conflict with neighboring Haryana. Punjab cadre Superintendent Engineer Akashdeep, who held the dual responsibilities of Director NHP at BBMB Chandigarh and Director Water Regulation at BBMB Nangal, has been abruptly transferred. He will now serve as Director Dam Safety at BBMB Nangal.
Taking his place is Sanjeev Kumar, a Haryana cadre officer, who will now oversee water regulation duties at Nangal Dam in addition to his role as Director NHP.
The timing of the transfer has sparked outrage in Punjab, coming soon after the BBMB’s controversial decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. The Punjab government has responded by deploying heavy police forces at Nangal Dam, signaling that the state may take drastic steps to stop the water release.
Insiders say the Punjab government views the appointment of a Haryana officer in this sensitive post as a conflict of interest, especially when the water-sharing equation is already under strain. CM Bhagwant Mann has reportedly instructed state authorities to explore every possible means—administrative, legal, and political—to challenge the BBMB decision and protect Punjab’s water share.
