Chandigarh, April 15
Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday criticized the Center’s latest notification on the Bhakra Beas Management Board, calling it anti-Haryana and alleging that the revised rules weaken the state’s established rights in water management and representation.
Hooda said that when Haryana was carved out in 1966, clear provisions were put in place to safeguard its interests within the Board. “It was earlier fixed that the member handling irrigation would be from Haryana and the member handling power would be from Punjab. The new rules now allow any state’s representative to occupy these positions, which raises serious concerns,” he said.
He added that the changes could dilute Haryana’s role in the Board, which regulates water distribution from key dams. The Center’s notification revises eligibility for the posts of member irrigation and member power, while stating that preference will be given to candidates from Punjab and Haryana. However, Hooda pointed out that there is no assurance that these posts will continue to be held by officers from the two states.
The former chief minister also alleged that Haryana’s interests in water sharing and employment within the Board are being overlooked. He criticized the state government for not raising objections and said, “Even when Haryana’s recruitment quota in the Board was removed earlier, the government remained silent.”
Referring to the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal issue, Hooda said that despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of Haryana, there has been little progress in ensuring the state’s share of water. He alleged that both the state and central governments have failed to act, calling it a setback for the people of Haryana. The issue is likely to intensify political debate, with opposition leaders continuing to question the implications of the revised rules on Haryana’s rights and representation in the BBMB.
