BBMB formation was historic mistake, says Bains

After standing firm against the BJP-led central government’s directive to release 8500 cusecs of water to Haryana, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today assured the state assembly that he would not allow excess water to be released from the Bhakra Dam, which falls within his constituency, Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Highlighting Punjab's precarious water situation while addressing in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the state's agrarian economy relies heavily on groundwater.

With no coal, gold, or oil reserves, groundwater is Punjab's only natural resource. However, over-exploitation of groundwater has led to 90% of its blocks being classified as dark zones.

He pointed out that the state's irrigation network has been neglected for 50-60 years, threatening the very lifeline of Punjab's economy.

S. Harjot Singh Bains criticised the previous regimes for failing to protect Punjab's rights during the formation of the BBMB, resulting in the state's water resources being exploited and wasted.

Representing the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the water scarcity faced by the residents of his constituency, particularly in villages like Jeowal, Bhabour Sahib, Swamipur Bhagh, and Khera, despite their proximity to the Bhakhra Main Line and Nangal Dam.

He said that over 30-35 villages in the Changer area struggle to access water for drinking and irrigation. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal for providing water supply to these villages over the past three years and ensuring irrigation facilities for approximately 10,000 acres of the area.

S. Harjot Singh Bains informed the House that the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has successfully increased canal water usage from 22% to 60%. He emphasised the need to further motivate farmers and upgrade irrigation infrastructure to ensure surface water supply to every field, thereby reducing the stress on groundwater resources.

Lashing out at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for illegally occupying Punjab's land, S. Harjot Singh Bains mentioned the deplorable state of Nangal city, which was built around the same time as Chandigarh but has become dilapidated in just 50-60 years. Similarly, Talwara has also been neglected.

The education minister pointed out that Asia's largest workshop in Nangal, which could have employed over 10,000 youth of the state, lies in ruins. He questioned the injustice, citing Punjab's historical sacrifices for India's independence and defense. He also urged the House to stand united in solidarity with Punjab, ensuring that not a single drop of its water is diverted to Haryana or any other non-riparian state.