CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — The Punjab government has accused the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) of “systemic mismanagement” of the Beas–Satluj Link (BSL) Project and the 990 MW Dehar Power House, alleging financial losses of ₹227 crore and warning of potential threats to water security for partner states.
In a letter to the BBMB chairman and the Union Ministry of Power, Punjab’s Principal Secretary, Water Resources, demanded an independent, time-bound audit of BSL and Dehar operations starting from the 2023 filling season. The letter alleges repeated technical failures, silt accumulation, unavailable equipment, and what it calls questionable administrative decisions.
According to the government, inadequate dredging at the Balancing Reservoir in Sundernagar has allowed silt to build up over two years, sharply reducing its storage capacity and disrupting water diversion to the Sutlej. Officials say this forced the system to operate below capacity during crucial months.
Punjab claims the situation worsened between May and September 2025, when three of six generating units at the Dehar plant were non-operational. The state alleges that the reduced diversion of Beas water raised Pong Dam levels to 1,376 ft — about 30 ft above seasonal norms — creating concerns about irrigation and drinking water availability to partner states.
The government has asked BBMB to submit a comprehensive loss-assessment report, identify officials responsible for operational lapses, and place the matter before the next board meeting.
