Government of Punjab Raises Alarms Over “Systemic Mismanagement” in Beas–Satluj Link Project Calls for Independent Audit, Citing Heavy Financial Losses and Water-Security Threats

The Government of Punjab has formally expressed serious concerns regarding what it terms “systemic mismanagement” in the Beas–Satluj Link (BSL) Project and the 990 MW Dehar Power House, both operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). In a detailed communication addressed to the Chairman, BBMB, and the Union Ministry of Power, the Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Punjab, has sought an independent, time-bound audit of the operations of both installations from the 2023 filling season onward.

According to the letter, key operational shortcomings — including persistent technical failures, excessive silt accumulation, non-availability of critical equipment, and questionable administrative decisions — have cumulatively resulted in significant financial losses allegedly amounting to Rs 227 crore for partner states, in addition to heightening concerns over long-term water security.

Key Issues Raised by the Punjab Government

Reduced Power Generation:
During May–September 2025, three out of six generating units at the Dehar Power House were non-operational. Punjab has stated that this led to an estimated generation loss of Rs 227 crore, while peaking power losses exceeded Rs 233 crore.

Silt Accumulation in the Balancing Reservoir:
Inadequate dredging over the last two years has resulted in excessive silt deposition at the Sundernagar Balancing Reservoir, significantly compromising storage capacity and inflow regulation to the Sutlej. This allegedly forced the BSL system to operate below optimal capacity during crucial months.

Water-Security Concerns:
Reduced diversion of Beas water into the BSL system has reportedly led to abnormally high water levels at Pong Dam, rising to 1376 ft, about 30 ft above typical seasonal averages. Punjab has cautioned that this imbalance could jeopardize irrigation and drinking water supply for all partner states.
The state estimates its own daily losses at Rs 26.52 lakh, with total losses to partner states exceeding Rs 1.8 crore per day.

Administrative Concerns:
The Principal Secretary alleges that Punjab officers are being assigned to key positions only after failures occur, purportedly in attempts to shift responsibility.

Punjab’s Demand for Accountability

The Government of Punjab has formally requested:

A comprehensive, independent loss-assessment report

Identification of officials responsible for lapses in dredging, maintenance, and power generation

Strict disciplinary action under relevant service rules

Placement of the matter before the next BBMB Board meeting

BBMB’s Response

BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi, responding to media queries, termed the alleged generation losses as “notional.” He clarified that the closure of the Dehar power project between November 18 and December 3 was a technical committee decision in which a Chief Engineer-level officer from Punjab participated.

Regarding silt accumulation, he attributed the increase to floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh during the recent monsoon and affirmed that tenders for dredging have already been issued. On concerns about water shortages, he stated that sufficient water is available in both Pong and Bhakra dams to meet the needs of partner states.