The hearing on the ongoing dispute between Punjab and Haryana over Bhakra water will be held for the third day today. The Punjab government has filed its reply. Haryana and the central government will present their arguments today. After this, the court will give its verdict in this direction.
Haryana has been released the prescribed water under the new quota. On the other hand, the process for deployment of CISF on the dam has started. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also raised this matter before Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the meeting of NITI Aayog.
Punjab’s allegation – BBMB and Haryana government misled
The Punjab government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court in this matter. It has been argued that when the matter was heard in the High Court, the central and Haryana governments were accused of hiding facts. The government filed an application.
It was said that on April 28, a meeting of all the states was held on the issue of water in BBMB, but no solution was found. After this, the Haryana government wrote a letter to the chairman of BBMB, and Haryana CM Nayab Saini sent a letter to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The BBMB chairman sent the matter to the Center. After this, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary, whereas the Power Department never holds meetings.
Controversy also over CISF deployment
When the central government was trying to resolve this water dispute, on May 19, CISF was approved for the security of the dam. A unit of 296 employees has been approved for this. CISF has sent a letter to BBMB asking it to deposit Rs 8.59 crore for the current financial year, as well as make arrangements for accommodation and transport etc.
However, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann objected to this. He said that when the Punjab Police was doing this work for free, then why should money be given for it? He asked the BJP leaders of Punjab whether this letter was issued with their consent. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said that CISF’s job is to provide security and it has nothing to do with the release of water.
