CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court Tuesday urged restraint from both Punjab and Haryana over their water-sharing dispute , saying: "We do this to enemy nations - let us not do it to our own states."
The division bench of CJ Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel made the oral observation while hearing a petition filed by Bhakra Beas Management Board , which alleged a forcible takeover of Nangal dam and Lohand control room by Punjab police. The matter was disposed of after Punjab's counsel Gurminder Singh assured the court that state police would not interfere in BBMB operations .
Police won't interfere in BBMB ops, Punjab's counsel assures HC
Punjab's counsel Gurminder Singh assured the court that state police would not interfere in BBMB operations and submitted an affidavit to that effect. BBMB's counsel Rajesh Garg said Punjab had deployed 55 police personnel - up from the usual 15 - and taken over dam operations without justification. "Instead of arm twisting, Punjab govt should approach central govt," Garg said, calling the move unprecedented. He cited an email from BBMB's chief engineer confirming the takeover and referenced a Delhi HC judgment mandating the board supply 1,049 cusecs of water daily to Delhi.
The court was told that political party workers had been present at the dam "to trouble the operations" and that Punjab was using the pretext of security to exert control. Punjab countered that law and order is a state subject and, given rising Indo-Pak tensions, it had acted to secure a sensitive installation.
Additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain, representing Centre, said BBMB resolution remains valid and that Punjab should challenge it through legal channels rather than obstruct operations. "What if tomorrow Himachal Pradesh, from where the water originates, decides to block it?" he asked.
BBMB has requested the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), such as CISF, to secure the dam. While the bench declined to issue an order for CAPF deployment, it said central installations are typically protected by paramilitary forces. The court said it would pass a formal order later.
The division bench of CJ Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel made the oral observation while hearing a petition filed by Bhakra Beas Management Board , which alleged a forcible takeover of Nangal dam and Lohand control room by Punjab police. The matter was disposed of after Punjab's counsel Gurminder Singh assured the court that state police would not interfere in BBMB operations .
Police won't interfere in BBMB ops, Punjab's counsel assures HC
Punjab's counsel Gurminder Singh assured the court that state police would not interfere in BBMB operations and submitted an affidavit to that effect. BBMB's counsel Rajesh Garg said Punjab had deployed 55 police personnel - up from the usual 15 - and taken over dam operations without justification. "Instead of arm twisting, Punjab govt should approach central govt," Garg said, calling the move unprecedented. He cited an email from BBMB's chief engineer confirming the takeover and referenced a Delhi HC judgment mandating the board supply 1,049 cusecs of water daily to Delhi.
The court was told that political party workers had been present at the dam "to trouble the operations" and that Punjab was using the pretext of security to exert control. Punjab countered that law and order is a state subject and, given rising Indo-Pak tensions, it had acted to secure a sensitive installation.
Additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain, representing Centre, said BBMB resolution remains valid and that Punjab should challenge it through legal channels rather than obstruct operations. "What if tomorrow Himachal Pradesh, from where the water originates, decides to block it?" he asked.
BBMB has requested the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), such as CISF, to secure the dam. While the bench declined to issue an order for CAPF deployment, it said central installations are typically protected by paramilitary forces. The court said it would pass a formal order later.
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