Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday raised strong objections to the Centre’s decision to deploy a contingent of 296 personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for the security of the Nangal Dam, calling it redundant and financially burdensome.
Speaking at a press conference in Sangrur, Mann questioned the rationale behind the Centre’s move, asserting that the Punjab Police is already deployed at the dam and effectively handling its security. “What is the need to bring in CISF when our state police is already managing the security?” he asked, criticising the decision as an unnecessary expenditure imposed on the state.
The Chief Minister further stated that he would take up the matter directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for Saturday. Mann’s remarks come amid broader concerns from the Punjab government about the Centre’s growing intervention in matters related to law and order — a state subject under the Constitution.
While emphasising the need for maintaining good relations with the Centre in a federal structure, Mann said, “I will try to maintain good ties but if the Centre doesn’t agree with what we demand, then we are Punjabis, we will fight back.”
The Centre has approved the deployment of 296 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to guard the Nangal Dam amid the ongoing dispute between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing. As part of the arrangement, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has been directed to deposit ₹8,58,69,600 in favour of the CISF as security cover, calculated at ₹2,90,100 per CISF personnel.
“They say either the BBMB or Punjab will pay this money. What was the need for this when the Punjab Police was already providing security to the dam for free? Why should we give money?” Mann said. “I will strongly oppose this move. We will neither allow money to be given through the BBMB nor from the state exchequer of the Punjab government,” he said.
Questioning the intention of the Centre for deploying security cover, Mann asked whether it wanted to “steal” Punjab’s share of water. “We will not allow this,” he asserted.
Mann also asked BJP leaders, including Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, if the Centre’s latest move came with their approval. “The Centre must withdraw this decision. The dam falls in Punjab’s jurisdiction. If Punjab can protect the international border, why can’t it protect the dam?” the Chief Minister asked.
So far, the Punjab Police has been providing security at the Nangal dam, which is situated 13km downstream of the Bhakra dam. Security at the site was intensified earlier this month after the Punjab government declined Haryana's request for additional water release.
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