Chandigarh, May 1 — As the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana, a significant administrative shake-up has intensified the growing row between Punjab and the central board.
Akashdeep Singh, Director of Water Regulation at Nangal and a Punjab cadre officer, was abruptly transferred and replaced by Sanjeev Kumar, an officer from the Haryana cadre.
Kumar has now taken over the sensitive post of Water Regulation Director, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Punjab government.
Sources suggest Singh had been insisting on strict adherence to the Bhakra Dam Regulation Manual, which requires a formal indent from Punjab before water can be released to any state—something Punjab has not issued.
With Singh’s removal, BBMB appears poised to push through its decision to supply additional water to Haryana, despite Punjab’s objections and warnings of looming shortages.
While official transfer orders cite the move as being made “at the request of Akashdeep Singh,” the officer has formally denied having made such a request in a letter to the BBMB.
The Punjab government, already at odds with BBMB over the release order, is now exploring legal avenues to challenge the transfer.
The state’s Chief Engineer has written to the BBMB objecting to Kumar’s appointment, stating that the new appointee has no experience in water regulation and has only worked in dam safety.
Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has announced state-wide protests, alleging that the central government and BBMB are sidelining Punjab’s interests in favor of Haryana.
“This is nothing short of a conspiracy to rob Punjab of its rightful water share,” an AAP spokesperson said.
“We will not stay silent as decisions are taken behind closed doors and Punjab officers are removed for doing their duty.”
The controversy adds a new layer of tension to an already volatile inter-state water dispute, which has seen escalating rhetoric, official stand-offs, and now, administrative reshuffling.
Read more: BBMB Orders Water Release to Haryana Despite Punjab’s Objections
