The United Kisan Morcha has termed the central government’s move to hand over the security of Bhakra Dam to CISF as an authoritarian step which weakens the constitutional federal structure and further strengthens the trend of centralisation of powers. Condemning the move, the SKM has termed the unilateral administrative decisions taken by the Bhakra Beas Management Board over the past several days as biased decisions under the direct influence of the BJP-led central government. Holding the Dam Safety Act directly responsible for this action, the SKM has demanded the repeal of the Dam Safety Act, which is against the constitutional rights of the states. History shows that the river water dispute between Punjab and its neighbouring states has always been politicised instead of being resolved in an impartial, rational and people-friendly manner in the light of riparian/scientific principles. The current water dispute between Punjab and Haryana over the Bhakra Beas Management Board is also motivated by the hidden political interests of the BJP-led central government.
The water crisis in northwestern India is becoming more serious day by day as the groundwater level is falling and water pollution is increasing. To address this crisis, the central and state governments need to work by formulating a multi-pronged strategy. SKM has demanded a fundamental solution to the issue of water crisis, conservation and proper use of wasted rainwater, scientific management of rivers and canals, effective control of flood waters and damage and destruction due to climate change with insurance coverage
And water sharing disputes should be resolved in a rational, non-partisan and people-friendly manner in the light of riparian/scientific principles. SKM also stressed on watershed development, water conservation policy for recharging the declining groundwater level. SKM reiterates the need to promote agricultural research and cultivation of sustainable, environment-friendly and diversified crops that make appropriate, scientific use of water, fertilizers and pesticides and enact a law to guarantee crop procurement under the Swaminathan formula without compromising the food security of the people. SKM reiterates its commitment to pressurize the Central and State Governments to resolve the water crisis without any discrimination or bias, urging the people to be wary of the political maneuverings of the ruling class parties, especially the BJP, which will pit the people of the neighbouring states, especially the farmers, against each other.
