Punjab Govt refuses to give more funds to BBMB, seeks accountability

The Punjab Government has refused to release funds to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for the fourth quarter of the last fiscal, saying the board has already collected surplus funds from all partner states, particularly from Punjab. This money, claims the state government, is lying in the public account.

A letter in this regard has been written by the Principal Secretary Water Resources department to the BBMB Chairman. “It is not possible for the Government of Punjab to continue to pay the money demanded by the BBMB unilaterally without any accountability. It is not sure whether the funds spent by the BBMB are being audited. No such report has been shared with Punjab,” it said.

The state government has pointed out that while they pay interest to raise loans to pay to the BBMB, “the latter is just keeping the money in public account at the cost of states. It is requested that the details of such funds already available with the BBMB be shared without delay”.

The Punjab Government has asked the BBMB why it has been decreasing the amount of money spent by it in the state. It has also sought the amalgamation of all funds received from partner states; restructuring of the BBMB for optimal utilisation of existing manpower; reducing wasteful expenditure on celebrating golden jubilee of Beas dam, amongst others.

The state government has also accused the BBMB of wrong and unequal distribution of water. It has alleged that official records show that more water has been released to partner states (Haryana and Rajasthan) than their entitlement. Comments of the BBMB authorities on the issue could not be obtained despite repeated attempts.

Punjab