Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre’s CISF Deployment at Nangal Dam: ‘Why Pay Rs 8.58 Crore When Punjab Police Is Capable?’

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday fiercely opposed the Central Government’s decision to deploy 296 CISF personnel at the Nangal dam, questioning both the necessity and the cost of the move, especially when Punjab Police is already handling the dam’s security.

Speaking to reporters in Sangrur, Mann termed the Centre’s decision “unjustified” and “financially burdensome,” holding up a copy of the Centre’s letter which directs the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to deposit Rs 8.58 crore annually towards the CISF deployment.

“They say either the BBMB or Punjab will pay this money. What was the need for this when Punjab Police was already providing security to the dam for free? Why should we give money?” asked Mann.

The deployment comes amid a fresh standoff between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing from the Nangal dam. The dam is situated in Punjab’s Rupnagar district, downstream of the Bhakra dam, and currently receives security cover from the Punjab Police, especially after the state government refused to release additional water to Haryana.

Chief Minister Mann made it clear that he will not allow the payment to be made—neither by the BBMB nor by the state exchequer of Punjab.

“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 asserted.

Raising serious concerns about the Centre’s intentions, Mann questioned whether the move was designed to undermine Punjab’s authority over its own water resources.

“Is this a conspiracy to steal Punjab’s share of water? We will not allow this,” he said, adding that the dam lies entirely within Punjab’s jurisdiction.

He further challenged Punjab BJP leaders, including state BJP president Sunil Jakhar, to clarify whether they supported the Centre’s decision.

“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?” Mann questioned.

Mann announced that he would directly raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for Saturday.

“I will ask the Prime Minister whether he thinks Punjab Police is incapable of guarding the dam,” Mann said.

The BBMB, which manages the Bhakra and Beas projects, has reportedly been asked to make the security deposit of Rs 8,58,69,600 in favour of the CISF, further escalating concerns in Punjab about the Centre’s increasing control over regional water infrastructure.