CHANDIGARH, July 12 — The Punjab Assembly’s resolution against the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects has created sharp divisions among the partner states, with Haryana and Rajasthan supporting the move.
According to sources, the matter was discussed in BBMB’s full board meeting held on July 4, where Punjab formally objected to the deployment, while Haryana and Rajasthan — both ruled by BJP — supported the CISF induction. A final decision from the BBMB is still awaited.
In the wake of Punjab’s opposition, the BBMB has now put on hold its plan to house 296 CISF personnel in its Nangal township. The board had earlier asked its staff to vacate government quarters earmarked for the CISF, a move that drew strong protests from BBMB employee unions.
While Punjab had initially consented to CISF deployment in 2021, tensions over water sharing from Nangal Dam with Haryana this May altered the political stance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led a dharna at Nangal Dam till May 20, blocking BBMB officials from releasing what the state termed “Punjab’s water share” to Haryana. Amid that standoff, the Union Home Ministry granted approval for CISF deployment and directed BBMB to deposit ₹7.5 crore to facilitate it.
The CISF was intended to take over the security duties from existing Punjab and Himachal Pradesh police personnel guarding key infrastructure, including dams and residential colonies. However, Punjab has now made it clear that it will not contribute to the budget for deploying CISF in the organisation.
Sources said BBMB has temporarily halted the housing preparations and other logistical arrangements, citing concerns over possible objections from Punjab regarding budget misuse. With Punjab holding a 52% share in BBMB, its financial contributions are crucial for any board-level implementation.
The issue now stands at a policy crossroads — with political, inter-state, and administrative implications — as BBMB balances federal sensitivities with central security directives.
