Mann Government’s Greening Punjab Mission: 12.57 Lakh Trees Planted, State Achieves Biggest Environmental Milestone
Nangal (Rupnagar), May 21: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann spoke on Wednesday. He said that the state government will address the reconstitution of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Niti Aayog will flag this issue in the meeting slated for Saturday.
Mann Condemns BBMB, Demands Water Pact Review
The Chief Minister addressed the victory rally here today. He said that he will take up this issue in the meeting. The Prime Minister will chair the meeting.He said that the level of water is changing frequently. Therefore, every water agreement should be reviewed every 25 years. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a landlocked border state. It has already over explored its only available natural resources. These resources are water and fertile soil used to feed the country.
However, the Chief Minister bemoaned the manner in which BBMB became a party to snatch the legitimate share of waters of the state. This action is unfortunate and highly condemnable. He said that Haryana had exhausted its share of water in the March of this year. However, the BBMB acted as a puppet of the central government and Haryana government. They worked to snatch the waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chairman of BBMB himself came to Nangal in an unprecedented manner. He came to steal the waters of the state. This move was thwarted by the people of the state.
Punjab Chief Minister Slams BBMB for Withholding ₹142 Cr, Ignoring Punjab Quota
This is the same BBMB. The Chief Minister said that BBMB had taken Rs 32 crore from Punjab for its very existential projects. He added that this money was never returned to the state. He said that Punjab owes nearly Rs 150 crore. Rs 142 crore is the precise amount. He added that the state government will soon stake claim for recovery of this money. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that BBMB has not deliberately filled 3000 posts of Punjab’s quota. This was done to weaken the state’s claim over the waters.
The Chief Minister said that momentum will be built to fill these posts at the earliest. This is necessary to safeguard the state’s interests. He said that even townships like Nangal, which were aesthetically designed, have been ruined. This is due to the neglect of the BBMB, which is really deplorable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BBMB collaborated with the centre to snatch the waters of the state. However, the brave, hard-working, and resilient farmers of the state foiled their nefarious attempts.
“Punjab Won’t Let Water Be Stolen Again: CM
The Chief Minister categorically stated that Punjabis have proven their capability. If the state can protect the borders of the country, they can save the waters of the state too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history. The people of Punjab made supreme sacrifices. They protected the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this time also Punjabis were at the forefront. They gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army. On the other hand, they saved the share of their water too.
The Chief Minister said that for around 20 days the hard working and vigilant people of the state didn’t allow Haryana and centre to steal even a single drop of water from Punjab. He said that for years, other states have diverted Punjab’s water through the BBMB. He added that the Congress, Akalis, and BJP have blood on their hands, as they have backstabbed Punjabis by ignoring the state’s water rights for their vested interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier leaders of Punjab had backstabbed the people on several issues by giving importance to their own interests over that of state.
BJP government has started using this board
He said that a former Chief Minister got a plot in Gurgaon, where they have a hotel today, for planning the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) river and issuing its survey order. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that self proclaimed savior of Punjab waters and former Chief Minister had presented silver spade to the then Prime Minister for the ground breaking ceremony of SYL at Kapoori.The Chief Minister said that the BBMB originally managed the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, but over the years, other states have diverted Punjab’s water through the BBMB. He added that the BJP government has started using this board to serve its political interests.
BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab
Describing BBMB as a white elephant, the Chief Minister said that it is totally useless and unacceptable in the present form adding that Punjab will never accept it now. He said, “It is ironic. The state exchequer is paying employees from other states. They are the ones harming Punjab’s interests.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even the BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab, which is highly deplorable.
The Chief Minister supported Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) instead of Satluj Yamuna Link canal. He expressed that Satluj river has already dried up. There is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. “Rather, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged that the government should supply water from the Ganga and Yamuna to Punjab through the Satluj river. He emphasized that this is the only viable alternative to address the alarming water scarcity in the state.”
The Chief Minister said that despite being smaller in area, Haryana is getting more water than Punjab and ironically it is demanding more water at the cost of Punjab. In wake of this fact, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that how can we give water to Haryana if our own fields are starving for it. He said that today, canals irrigate nearly 60% of the state’s farmlands, making every drop of Punjab’s water extremely valuable.
Punjab no longer has any surplus water to give to any other state
The Chief Minister said that Punjab no longer has any surplus water to give to any other state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on April 6, Haryana requested water from Punjab for drinking purposes. He said that showing generosity, Punjab gave 4,000 cusecs of water from its share to Haryana. Our Gurus have taught us that giving water to the thirsty is a great act of virtue.
On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal thanked all the dignitaries and people who had attended the rally.
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