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Punjab’s stern missive to BBMB: stop random outflows from Bhakra, Pong dams

In its letter to the Bhakra Beas Management Board, the Punjab government stated that variations in outflow have intensified, which is problematic given the state of the riverbanks following prolonged flooding.

the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C is learnt to have stated that Punjab had suffered the worst floods in its history with all 23 districts under effect.

The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C stated that Punjab had suffered the worst floods in its history with all 23 districts under effect. (File Photo)

After facing devastating floods, the Punjab Government has issued a stern directive to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), urging it to stop random fluctuations in water outflows from the Bhakra and Pong dams.

The move comes amid concerns that erratic releases are exacerbating risks of bund breaches, threatening agricultural lands, crops, and infrastructure in downstream districts.

In a letter dated September 12, 2025, addressed to the BBMB chairman in Chandigarh, Punjab’s Chief Engineer (Drainage) highlighted the board’s unilateral decisions on water management. “It has been observed that BBMB has been increasing and decreasing the outflows at its own level randomly without taking the State Government of Punjab into confidence,” it states.

It stated that such frequent variations have intensified recently, which is particularly problematic given the state of the saturated riverbanks following prolonged flooding.

The floods, which recently ravaged Punjab, have already caused widespread destruction in districts along the Sutlej and Beas rivers, where the Bhakra and Pong dams are located. Officials warn that any sudden changes in water flow could trigger breaches, leading to further losses.

Over 50 people were killed in the flood, while crops across 1.75 lakh hectares of land were damaged, and over 3.87 lakh people in 1,996 villages were impacted.

“When the banks of the rivers are fully saturated, any fluctuation at this point of time increases the probability of breach in banks of the rivers causing loss of agricultural land, crops and other infrastructure,” the memo emphasises, adding that downstream areas have been grappling with these issues for an extended period.

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“You are requested to maintain the outflows in a manner so that there is no danger to the dams and at the same time there isn’t much variation in the flow of river,” the letter reads. It also advocates for “scientific” management that balances dam safety with the protection of vulnerable downstream regions.

The BBMB, a central body responsible for managing the inter-state water resources of the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas projects, is yet to respond to the memorandum. The board oversees power generation and irrigation supplies to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and other partner states, but tensions over water sharing and management have long simmered between the Punjab and partner states.

State water resources department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that this was a necessary step to prevent more disasters. “We have seen enough damage from the floods. We cannot afford additional risks from poor coordination,” an official said.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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