Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab to audit BBMB finances; CM Mann slams Centre for 'Weaponizing' State Funds
Babushahi Bureau
Nangal (Rupnagar), May 11, 2025 – In a sharp escalation of the ongoing water dispute, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced that the state government will conduct a comprehensive audit of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), accusing the BJP-led central government of using Punjab’s own funds to undermine its interests.
Speaking at a protest demonstration at the Nangal Dam, Mann alleged that BBMB officials—funded significantly through Punjab’s exchequer—have repeatedly acted against the state’s rights over its river waters.
“Officers from other states are being paid with Punjab’s money, yet their decisions directly harm Punjab’s water security. This is an unacceptable betrayal of the people of Punjab,” he stated.
Mann criticized the Union government for politicizing the BBMB, claiming it has been reduced to a tool of the Centre’s agenda. He singled out Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for allegedly orchestrating attempts to divert Punjab’s water to Haryana and Rajasthan, even in the absence of any binding court order.
“The BBMB has become a political weapon. It is time for its complete restructuring,” said Mann. He further warned that any unilateral move by BBMB to release water without Punjab’s consent could spark a major law and order situation, adding that both the Centre and BBMB officials would be held accountable.
Mann emphasized that Punjab has no excess water to share, pointing to the over-exploited groundwater levels and declining river resources. “Punjab’s water belongs to Punjab. We will not allow even a single drop to be diverted elsewhere,” he declared.
Amid heightened border tensions, Mann said it was ironic that while Punjab continues to support the Army in defending the 532-kilometer border with Pakistan, the Centre is “engaged in backdoor tactics to rob the state of its resources.”
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other senior leaders joined Mann at the protest, echoing calls for accountability, transparency, and the protection of Punjab’s water rights.