Was the Centre’s refusal to grant ‘de-silting’ permission for Bhakra and Ranjit Sagar Dams a conspiracy to submerge Punjab, asks Neel Garg
Punjab E News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior spokesperson Neel Garg has accused the BJP-led Central Government of “political negligence” for the devastating floods that hit Punjab. Garg said the primary reason behind the large-scale destruction causing losses worth thousands of crores is the Central Government’s refusal to grant permission for the de-silting (removal of sand/silt) of the Bhakra and Ranjit Sagar dams.
Issuing a statement on Friday, Neel Garg said that “today, tears fill the eyes of Punjab’s farmers while floodwater still stands in their fields.” He added that homes of lakhs of people living along the banks of the Ravi and Sutlej rivers have been destroyed, yet the BJP government at the Centre continues to remain indifferent and inactive.
The AAP spokesperson said that the Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam represent Punjab’s future, but both dams have accumulated an alarming amount of silt, posing a serious threat to the state’s safety and sustainability. Citing a detailed newspaper report, Garg said that the Central Government has not granted approval for the de-silting process, and today the disastrous consequences of that decision are evident across Punjab, with floods causing losses worth thousands of crores.
Strongly criticizing the BJP leadership, Neel Garg said, “BJP leaders have no work other than attending photo sessions.” He accused them of misleading people and spreading lies. Recently, Punjab BJP’s working president Ashwani Sharma held a press conference blaming the Punjab Government for the floods. Garg countered, saying that the approval for de-silting has to be granted by the Central Government, which has failed to do so. “Until the Centre gives its approval for de-silting, no work can be carried out,” he said.
Questioning the Punjab BJP leadership, Neel Garg asked, “Is this your idea of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’? Isn’t this a conspiracy against Punjab? Isn’t this an attempt to drown and destroy our state?” He demanded that Punjab BJP leaders explain to the people why the Central Government has denied permission for the de-silting of the Bhakra and Ranjit Sagar Dams.
