BBMB अधिकारियों के खिलाफ FIR: पंजाब में मानवीय त्रासदी की लपटें

To The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, Secretariate Chandigarh. Subject: Complaint seeking registration of FIR against Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials for causing man-made floods in Punjab leading to deaths, destruction, and massive losses. Respected Sir, I, Chief Spokesperson and President Chandigarh state, Gopal Singh Sidhu resident of Chandigarh, respectfully submit this complaint requesting initiation of criminal proceedings against officials of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Chandigarh, who are directly responsible for the catastrophic man-made floods that devastated Punjab during July–August 2025. Their unlawful decisions, negligence, and deliberate disregard of warnings caused loss of human lives, destruction of homes, livestock, crops, and damage to infrastructure on a massive scale. Factual Background: 1. On 02.06.2025, a Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) was convened by BBMB to discuss water regulation from Bhakra Dam. No decision for issuance of a “sharewire” was taken in that meeting. 2. On 04.06.2025, the Government of Punjab, Department of Water Resources (Memo No. 381-82/Regulation) categorically: o Projected Punjab’s requirement of 29,500 cusecs for June (18,000 cusecs at Ropar and 11,500 cusecs at Harike). o Warned that issuance of a sharewire was contrary to the operational manual, which requires water to be released as per actual indents during the filling period. o Noted that Bhakra Reservoir was at 1562.15 ft – about 22 ft higher than the 45-year average, proving surplus water availability. o Cited IMD forecasts predicting 115% rainfall in Punjab, clearly indicating that by August, Bhakra would touch maximum levels and excess spillage into Sutlej would result in flood-like conditions. 3. Despite these written warnings and scientific forecasts, BBMB officials: o Ignored Punjab’s objections. o Illegally issued a sharewire instead of a distribution wire. o Failed to regulate discharges through turbines and outlets in a timely manner. o Released excess water arbitrarily during heavy monsoon, thereby creating a man-made flood disaster. 4. Consequences of this negligence: o Over 1,200 villages submerged. o 3.75 lakh acres of farmland destroyed. o Multiple human casualties, livestock deaths, and severe damage to property and infrastructure. o Farmers, families, and the State of Punjab suffered irreparable losses. Offences Committed: The actions of the BBMB officials constitute cognizable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS): * Section 105 – Culpable Homicide not amounting to Murder. * Section 106 – Causing Death by Negligence. * Section 110 – Endangering life or personal safety of others. * Section 118 – Mischief causing damage. * Section 127 – Criminal Conspiracy. * Sections 336–339 – Negligent conduct with respect to water and Public Nuisance. Prayer: In the above circumstances, I humbly request you to: 1. Direct registration of an FIR against the responsible BBMB officials under the above provisions of the BNS. 2. Order a special investigation into the unlawful and negligent decisions of BBMB during June–August 2025. 3. Take immediate steps to suspend and prosecute the delinquent officials responsible for this man-made disaster. 4. Ensure that adequate compensation is paid to victims and affected farmers, to be recovered personally from the erring officers. Punjab has suffered an unprecedented tragedy that was preventable had BBMB officials acted lawfully and responsibly. Their misconduct must not go unpunished. Yours faithfully Gopal Singh Sidhu ( Jharon) Chief Spokesperson & President Chandigarh State, Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar, Punjab Date: 25/09/2025 Place: Chandigarh