Two major attempts to clear debris hillocks on prime land belonging to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) along the Nangal Hydel Canal in Nangal city over the past fortnight have sparked a political controversy. Opposition leaders alleged political patronage behind the repeated bids and questioned the administration's failure to initiate criminal proceedings.
Debris Removal in Broad Daylight
According to sources, alleged encroachers used heavy bulldozers to remove large hillocks of debris that had existed along the canal for nearly 70 years. The debris was originally dumped during the canal's excavation by the BBMB and over decades formed elevated mounds. The land is considered prime property due to its canal-side location.
Removal of the debris using heavy earth-moving machinery in broad daylight raised serious concerns, with opposition parties alleging such activity could not have occurred without the knowledge or support of influential people.
BBMB Intervention and Drone Survey
On both occasions, BBMB authorities, after receiving information about the alleged encroachment, sought police assistance to prevent further removal and protect the Board's land. Following the first incident, officials from the Revenue Department conducted a drone-based demarcation of the disputed area, which reportedly confirmed that the land belongs to the BBMB.
Despite this official demarcation and BBMB intervention, another attempt was allegedly made to remove the debris hill two days ago. This second incident intensified questions about the effectiveness of the local administration in safeguarding government property.
No FIR Filed Despite Repeated Attempts
While the BBMB succeeded in stopping both attempts, no FIR or other criminal proceedings have been initiated against those who allegedly deployed heavy machinery. The absence of legal action fueled allegations that the encroachers enjoy political protection.
BJP state vice-president Subhash Sharma strongly criticized the incidents, stating that the land adjoining the Nangal Hydel Canal was of strategic importance because of the national significance of the BBMB project. "It is unfortunate that people are openly trying to encroach upon BBMB land in broad daylight. Such incidents cannot take place without the connivance of local authorities," Sharma said. He added that encroachment on BBMB land, a project of national importance, is sensitive from a security perspective and must not be allowed.
Congress Leader Demands Action
Former president of the Ropar Bar Association and Congress leader Paramjit Singh Pamma also criticized the local administration for failing to prevent repeated attempts to encroach upon BBMB land. He urged the administration to identify those responsible for the illegal removal of debris and initiate legal proceedings to deter future attempts.
The repeated bids to occupy land along one of the country's important canal systems have also sparked concern among residents, who questioned how heavy bulldozers could be deployed on government land on more than one occasion without immediate action from authorities.
BBMB Official Seeks Fresh Demarcation
Executive engineer of Nangal Dam, Ashok Kumar, when contacted, said, "The disputed land was demarcated in 2004, and according to that demarcation, it belonged to them. However, as per our records, the khasra number of the land under dispute does not match the location being claimed by the claimants. We have once again requested the revenue officials to carry out a fresh demarcation of the disputed land."
