Roopnagar, May 12 — Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that Punjab will suspend its financial contributions to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) until a full audit of its expenditures is completed, intensifying the ongoing dispute over water allocation and fund management.
The announcement came during Mann’s visit to the Nangal dam, where he publicly opposed the BBMB’s proposed release of an additional 4,500 cusecs of surplus water to Haryana — a move that would raise the total release to 8,500 cusecs.
“Despite Punjab contributing 60% to BBMB’s total expenditure, the board has moved court against us,” Mann said. “Ironically, we are now expected to bear 60% of the legal expenses for a case that is against Punjab itself.”
Punjab currently bears 60% of the BBMB’s operational costs, while the remaining 40% is split between Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. Mann stated that the state will withhold its quarterly payments to the board until a comprehensive financial audit is completed, adding, “We will stall BBMB’s funds and an audit will be conducted for the funds given to the BBMB in the past,” in a post on social media platform X.
The chief minister also warned of possible legal action against BBMB officers and engineers if surplus water is released to Haryana in the future without Punjab’s consent. “Punjab will not bear the legal expenses in the ongoing court case,” he asserted.
Mann’s stance follows the state’s earlier refusal to contribute ₹3 crore towards BBMB’s ₹5 crore plan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Pong Dam, citing financial constraints. With Punjab declining its share, the BBMB dropped the plan altogether.
Drawing a parallel with the Centre’s decision to withhold rural development funds to Punjab over spending concerns, Mann said, “If they can question our usage of funds, we too have the right to question BBMB on how our 60% share is being used.”
The announcement signals a hardening of Punjab’s position in the BBMB dispute, as tensions continue to rise over water sharing and financial transparency.
Read more: Punjab CM Rushes to Nangal Over Water Release Fears
