Punjab Floods 2025: Hold BBMB Accountable for Dam Mismanagement


Punjab Floods 2025: Hold BBMB Accountable for Dam Mismanagement
The Issue
We, the people of Punjab, are deeply anguished by the devastating floods that have destroyed our homes, crops, livestock, and livelihoods. While heavy rainfall was a natural factor, the scale of destruction was not merely due to nature. It was aggravated by the mismanagement of water release by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Water was suddenly released from dams (Bhakra & Pong) without sufficient warning to downstream villages.
Despite available storage capacity, excessive discharge was carried out at once, causing rivers like Sutlej and Beas to overflow beyond control.
Villagers, farmers, and local administrations were not given timely alerts, leaving them helpless and unprepared.
This is not the first time — past expert reports and court rulings in India have shown that poor dam management worsens natural disasters.
👉 Our Demands:
A high-level independent inquiry into BBMB’s dam management during this flood.
Public disclosure of rainfall data, dam inflow/outflow records, and warnings issued.
Compensation for affected farmers, families, and small businesses.
Fixing accountability of officials responsible for negligence, and ensuring strict protocols for future dam operations.
This is not just about floods — this is about justice, accountability, and protecting lives. We urge the Government of India, Punjab Government, and the Hon’ble Courts to take immediate action.
20
The Issue
We, the people of Punjab, are deeply anguished by the devastating floods that have destroyed our homes, crops, livestock, and livelihoods. While heavy rainfall was a natural factor, the scale of destruction was not merely due to nature. It was aggravated by the mismanagement of water release by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Water was suddenly released from dams (Bhakra & Pong) without sufficient warning to downstream villages.
Despite available storage capacity, excessive discharge was carried out at once, causing rivers like Sutlej and Beas to overflow beyond control.
Villagers, farmers, and local administrations were not given timely alerts, leaving them helpless and unprepared.
This is not the first time — past expert reports and court rulings in India have shown that poor dam management worsens natural disasters.
👉 Our Demands:
A high-level independent inquiry into BBMB’s dam management during this flood.
Public disclosure of rainfall data, dam inflow/outflow records, and warnings issued.
Compensation for affected farmers, families, and small businesses.
Fixing accountability of officials responsible for negligence, and ensuring strict protocols for future dam operations.
This is not just about floods — this is about justice, accountability, and protecting lives. We urge the Government of India, Punjab Government, and the Hon’ble Courts to take immediate action.
20
The Decision Makers
Petition created on August 31, 2025