Punjab's Demand for Bhakra Canal Payment Spurs Controversy

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced Punjab seeks a pending payment of Rs 113.24 crore for Bhakra canal maintenance from Haryana. This financial dispute arose following an internal audit. Additionally, Punjab opposes CISF deployment at the Bhakra-Nangal dam, stressing serious financial implications and legal action inquiries.

In a recent press conference, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that Punjab has demanded a pending payment of Rs 113.24 crore from the Haryana government for the upkeep of the Bhakra canal. This request, according to Cheema, was sent after an internal audit uncovered the overdue liability.

Cheema criticized previous administrations for failing to recover this payment from Haryana. The internal audit, conducted by the Punjab government, highlighted Haryana's negligence in funding the maintenance of the pivotal Bhakra main line canal over several years.

Furthermore, controversy surrounds the Centre's deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra-Nangal dam project. Despite the Punjab Assembly's resolution against this deployment, citing undue financial burden, the Bhakra Beas Management Board proceeded with a Rs 8.58 crore payment to the Centre. Cheema argues this move usurps Punjab's jurisdiction and plans to seek legal recourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)