The Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) plan to desilt the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra Dam has run into trouble. Himachal Pradesh has objected to the tenders issued for the project, saying the board did not get the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state government before starting the process.
Why Himachal Objected to the Desilting Tenders
According to documents available with The Tribune, Himachal Pradesh has informed BBMB that the entire reservoir area marked for desilting falls within its territorial boundaries. Because of this, the state argues that prior approval was necessary before BBMB could float tenders for the work.
In a communication to BBMB authorities, the Secretary (Power) and Director (Industries) reportedly stated that no excavation activity within the reservoir area can proceed without the requisite NOC from the state government. Sources said the objection has forced BBMB to revisit its tendering strategy.
What This Means for the Desilting Project
The objection from Himachal Pradesh has effectively stalled the desilting plan. The project was meant to clear silt from the Gobind Sagar reservoir, which is crucial for maintaining the dam's storage capacity and operational efficiency. Without the NOC, BBMB cannot move forward with the tendering process or any excavation work.
The standoff highlights the jurisdictional issues between the central board and the state government. Since the reservoir is located entirely within Himachal Pradesh, the state insists that its approval is mandatory before any such activity begins.
Our Take: A Necessary Check or a Roadblock?
In our view, this is a straightforward case of procedure. Himachal Pradesh is well within its rights to demand an NOC for any activity within its territory. BBMB should have secured the certificate before issuing tenders. While the desilting of Bhakra Dam is an important project for power generation and water management, skipping state approval was a misstep. The board must now work with the state government to resolve the issue quickly. Delays in desilting could affect the dam's long-term performance, but following the law is non-negotiable.
