The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continued its protest at the Nangal dam on Wednesday, raising concerns over long-standing land disputes with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). AAP leaders claimed that residents who have lived on leased BBMB land for decades now face eviction threats over minor offenses.
Sanjeev Gautam, chairman of Guru Ravidas Ayurvedic University, led a delegation to meet Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during his recent visit to Nangal. Gautam highlighted that many of the affected residents include Bhakra Dam oustees and traders who were settled in the town by BBMB in the 1960s and granted plots and shops on lease. Despite over 60 years of being settled here, many now face eviction cases for minor changes made to their buildings over time.
The delegation urged the Chief Minister to regularise the properties in the names of current leaseholders or allow them to purchase the plots at commercial rates. They also requested the government to formulate a comprehensive policy to resolve the disputes and halt eviction proceedings.
Gautam pointed out that residents living on BBMB land do not receive benefits under Punjab Government welfare schemes, including the 300 units of free electricity, as their power connections are managed by BBMB rather than the state electricity board.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal confirmed that the issue had been brought to the attention of CM Mann and was under review. Meanwhile, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains criticised the control exercised by BBMB and National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) over land in Nangal, stating that it hinders local development. He proposed that the government explore the possibility of reclaiming unused BBMB land for public welfare and development projects.
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