Chandigarh, May 21 - The Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of central forces at the Bhakra Dam project amid the ongoing conflict between Punjab and Haryana over water issues. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh police was deployed at Bhakra Dam while the responsibility of security at Nangal Dam is with Punjab Police. Bhakra and Nangal Dams are now likely to have dual security.
Tension had built up between Punjab and Haryana after the decision to provide additional water to Haryana. Haryana had put pressure on the deployment of central forces at Bhakra Nangal Project. Former Union Minister and Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala had also demanded the deployment of central forces at Bhakra Dam project from the Central Government. It has been learnt that BBMB had also made such a demand. According to the information, as per the first plan, 435 central forces personnel were demanded for the Bhakra Dam project, but now 296 posts have been approved.
In the past few days, the issue of deployment of central forces has also been raised in the meetings of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. According to the details, 296 new posts have been created for the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force personnel for the security of the Bhakra Dam project in Nangal. A letter has been sent to the Director (Security and Advisory) of BBMB on behalf of the Central Government in this regard. The entire cost of deployment of central forces will be borne by BBMB. Instructions have been issued to provide accommodation, transportation, communication equipment and security devices etc. of the central forces.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had been adamant for the last few days that Haryana would not be allowed to receive excess water from Punjab. Aam Aadmi Party workers had also been sitting on a dharna near Nangal Dam for about 20 days. The Chief Minister has ended the AAP's protest by celebrating Fateh Diwas at Nangal Dam today. The Punjab government's celebrations came amidst the celebrations of the deployment of central forces. The entire cost of deployment of central forces will be borne by BBMB, which is estimated to be Rs 8.58 crore for the year 2025-26 and will cost Rs 2.90 lakh per security personnel. The accommodation, transportation, communication facilities etc. of the central forces will also be arranged by BBMB. Punjab will have to bear about 60 percent of the cost of deployment of central forces.