Punjab Government to Grant Ownership Rights on Surplus BBMB Land in Nangal, Talwara
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced a landmark decision to confer ownership rights to residents, shopkeepers, and other occupants on surplus land belonging to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in the townships of Nangal, Talwara, and adjoining areas. This move is set to benefit thousands of families who have been living on this land for generations, providing them with legal security and ending long-standing eviction threats.
Invoking the Punjab Reorganisation Act
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who represents the Anandpur Sahib Assembly constituency, revealed that the state government has invoked the Punjab Reorganisation Act to stake claim over more than 800 acres of surplus BBMB land. The Water Resources Department has already issued formal communication to the BBMB, asserting that this land rightfully belongs to Punjab and not to the board.
Harjot Bains emphasized, "Our elders sacrificed their lands and contributed their labor to ensure water and electricity for a newly independent India. They also helped build these towns. However, for over five decades, the BBMB, which was only meant to operate the dam projects, has acted like a landlord, harassing the very people who made these projects possible."
Ending Decades of Uncertainty
The decision aims to resolve a persistent issue that has plagued residents for years. Bains recalled meeting affected families in Nangal four months ago, where he promised a permanent solution. "Today, that promise is being fulfilled," he stated, highlighting that formal notices have been served to the BBMB to clarify the state's ownership of the surplus land.
Bains further argued that the BBMB lacks the authority to frame lease policies for these properties. "The land was originally acquired from our people for dam projects. Now that these projects are complete, the surplus land must revert to the state and, ultimately, to the people who have inhabited it for generations," he explained.
Comprehensive Policy for Ownership Rights
The Mann government is developing a comprehensive policy through the Water Resources Department to grant ownership rights to all eligible occupants. This policy will allow shopkeepers, families, and residents to obtain rightful ownership by paying only legitimate charges, such as stamp duty, without excessive fees.
In addition to addressing land ownership, the government has identified land for a new judicial complex in Nangal, which will be developed to enhance local infrastructure. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to improving public services and supporting community development in the region.
This proactive step by the Punjab government is expected to bring relief and stability to thousands, marking a significant shift in land management and rights in the state.
