Punjab's Flood Control Choices Under Fire: BBMB Alleges State Worsened Haryana's Deluge

A contentious dispute over flood management has escalated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) laying significant blame on Punjab for exacerbating the recent devastating floods in Haryana. In a dramatic submission, BBMB asserted that had Punjab cooperated by allowing the full release of water through the Nangal Hydel Channel, the severity of the deluge in its neighboring state could have been drastically mitigated.

The core of BBMB's argument revolves around a critical period on July 9, when the Sutlej river was alarmingly swollen due to relentless heavy rains in its catchment areas.

Facing rapidly rising water levels in the Bhakra Dam, BBMB urgently requested Punjab to open the floodgates of the Nangal Hydel Channel to its maximum capacity of 12,500 cusecs. This measure was intended to divert excess water, providing a crucial outlet and preventing further accumulation.

However, BBMB informed the court that Punjab's response fell short of the urgent need.

Initially, the state only permitted a release of 6,000 cusecs, later marginally increasing it to 9,000 cusecs. Punjab reportedly cited concerns over potential damage to its own Bhakra Main Line (BML) canal and associated infrastructure as reasons for its cautious approach. This limited cooperation, according to BBMB, proved to be a critical misstep with dire consequences for Haryana.

Instead of being effectively diverted, the substantial volume of excess water was ultimately released into the already overflowing Sutlej river, intensifying the flood downstream.

BBMB contended that this outcome directly contributed to the "grave flood situation" witnessed across Haryana, including extensive damage to vital infrastructure such as the Hansi-Butana canal and widespread agricultural land. The board firmly believes that this escalation of flood impact could have been entirely averted with Punjab's timely and full cooperation.

The High Court is currently presiding over a plea filed by BBMB, seeking an extension of the stay on a previous single-bench order that had, in July, temporarily restrained the board from releasing excess water from the Bhakra Dam into the Sutlej.

BBMB meticulously detailed its efforts to manage the crisis, emphasizing that water levels in the Bhakra Dam had surged to unprecedented levels, necessitating immediate action to prevent structural compromise.

In response, Punjab's legal counsel put forth a counter-argument, alleging that BBMB had released the water without adequate prior warning to the concerned authorities.

BBMB vehemently refuted this claim, presenting evidence that all relevant departments and states had been duly informed of the escalating situation and the board's proposed actions. The division bench, after hearing the submissions, has extended the stay on the single-bench order until the next scheduled hearing, signaling a prolonged legal battle to unravel the complexities of this inter-state water management crisis and assign accountability for the devastating floods.