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Rajasthan seeks permanent membership in Bhakra Beas Management Board
Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat called for permanent representation of Rajasthan on the BBMB, highlighting the state's 52.96% share in Ravi-Beas waters. Speaking at BBMB's 50th anniversary function in Panchkula, he urged equitable representation, expeditious water storage decisions, and the exploration of new technologies, including floating solar and pumped storage. The event was attended by senior officials and BBMB officials, underscoring ongoing inter-state water governance considerations.
Why It Matters
Permanent BBMB membership could influence how Ravi-Beas waters are allocated to Rajasthan, potentially affecting water security for western Rajasthan and inter-state water governance.
Timeline
2 Events
Article published reporting Rajasthan’s BBMB membership appeal
May 16, 2026
The article reporting on Rajasthan's push for permanent BBMB membership was published, with the timestamp May 16, 2026 04:04 am IST.
Rajasthan seeks permanent BBMB membership at BBMB's 50th anniversary function
May 15, 2026
Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat urged the Centre to grant Rajasthan permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), citing the state's 52.96% share in Ravi-Beas waters. He spoke at a function marking the BBMB's 50th anniversary in Panchkula, Haryana, arguing that western Rajasthan's irrigation, drinking water and other needs depend on BBMB and calling for equitable representation, including creation of an additional full-time post from Rajasthan on the Board. Rawat also pressed for expeditious decisions on water storage up to the maximum reservoir level after necessary studies, and proposed evaluating floating solar and pumped storage power plants. He advocated extensive use of real-time discharge monitoring, automated gauging systems, satellite-based water management, digital data recording and transparent online data sharing to build trust among BBMB states. Attendees included Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhary, and BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi.