CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — The Bhakra Beas Management Board on Friday dismissed Punjab’s allegations of massive financial losses and operational negligence in the Beas–Satluj Link Project, calling the state’s estimated generation loss “notional.”
BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi said the Dehar Power House had been shut from November 18 to December 3 following a technical committee decision that included participation from Punjab’s chief engineer–level representative. “The board acted on the committee’s recommendation,” Tripathi said. “The concerns raised by the Principal Secretary will be replied to formally.”
Addressing Punjab’s claims of poor maintenance, Tripathi said silt levels surged this monsoon because of floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. “We have issued tenders for cleaning silt from the Balancing Reservoir, and work will start soon,” he said.
Tripathi also disputed Punjab’s assertion that water shortages loomed over partner states, saying, “There is enough water in both Pong and Bhakra dams to meet all current demands.”
Punjab has argued that silt accumulation at the Sundernagar reservoir has restricted optimal water flows, affecting hydropower output and pushing Pong Dam levels above expected averages. It has alleged a daily revenue loss of ₹26.52 lakh for the state and more than ₹1.8 crore for partner states.
BBMB maintains the system is stable and that further assessments will be addressed through standard procedures.
