In a significant move, the Punjab government has officially withdrawn its consent for the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra and Nangal dams. The consent, originally given by the previous Congress government in 2021, has now been revoked by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “The Punjab Police is a brave and capable force. They are fully equipped to ensure the dam’s security. Hence, we are withdrawing the consent for CISF deployment,” said Cheema.
Background: When Was Consent Given?
The decision to deploy CISF personnel at the dams was made on October 21, 2021, under the leadership of former CM Charanjit Singh Channi (Congress).
Context: May 21 Water Dispute and Rising Tensions
The withdrawal of CISF consent comes after heightened tensions between Punjab and Haryana over water-sharing issues. On May 21, 2025, Punjab reduced Haryana’s daily water share from 9,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs, citing a lack of extra water. CM Bhagwant Mann had said:
“Punjab’s water accounting starts from May 21, and Haryana’s share has already been fully utilized. We do not have an extra drop to give.”
He also pointed to significantly low water levels in key reservoirs: Ranjit Sagar Dam was 39 feet below last year’s level, and Pong Dam was down by 24 feet.
Following this, the Union Home Ministry had announced the deployment of 296 CISF personnel at the Bhakra project, asking the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) to provide housing, communication tools, and all related facilities. The entire expense (₹8.58 crore annually) was to be borne by BBMB.
The central move came after BBMB officials were allegedly held hostage by local protesters during a visit related to water release.
impact of Punjab withdrawing CISF from Bhakra-Nangal dams:
- Security Burden on Punjab Police- Punjab Police will now solely guard the dams, raising concerns about preparedness for such a sensitive task.
- Tensions with Centre & Haryana – The move may strain Centre-State ties and worsen the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Haryana.
- BBMB Neutrality at Risk – Without CISF, central oversight through BBMB could weaken, risking operational and official safety.
- Political Signal – Seen as a move to assert Punjab’s autonomy, but may backfire if any security lapse occurs.
Other Major Decisions Taken in the Cabinet Meeting
Along with the CISF withdrawal, Punjab’s Cabinet also approved several key proposals:
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A Bill to allow bullock cart races at the traditional Kila Raipur Games (also known as the Rural Olympics) will be introduced in the next Vidhan Sabha session. These races had been banned since 2014.
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Approval for new campuses of two private universities — CGC Jhanjeri and Rayat Bahra.
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Recruitment of 3,600 special educators for teaching over 37,000 students with special needs in government schools.
By withdrawing CISF deployment, the Punjab government has reinforced its confidence in the state police while signaling resistance to central oversight. The decision also marks a key moment in the ongoing Punjab-Haryana water conflict and reflects the state’s emphasis on self-reliance in managing critical infrastructure.
