Court Restrains Punjab Over Bhakra-Nangal Dam Operations

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered that Punjab and its departments, including the police, refrain from interfering in the operations of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam and the Lohand control room. This decision emphasizes the exclusive management powers of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

Despite this restraint, the court stipulated that Punjab is permitted to provide security measures for the dam and BBMB personnel. The directive follows a recent meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The meeting decided to authorize BBMB's plan to release additional water to Haryana to address urgent water requirements.

Controversy arose when Punjab Police allegedly took control of the Nangal Dam's operations, prompting BBMB to contest this in court as unconstitutional. The state of Punjab defended its actions as security measures. The situation has surfaced amid an ongoing dispute over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana.

(With inputs from agencies.)