Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB): 5 Crucial Facts on Record Beas River Inflow

Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)

From July 1 to September 5, 2025, Himachal Pradesh’s Beas River received its highest-ever recorded water inflow, amounting to 11.70 billion cubic meters (BCM). This exceptional surge led to significant flooding and sparked disagreements between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh regarding the handling of the excess water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

Key Points: Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)

Historic Water Inflow: Between July 1 and September 5, the Beas River received 11.70 BCM of water, marking an all-time high.

Previous highest inflows:

• 2023: 9.52 BCM
• 1988: 7.94 BCM
• 2019: 5.95 BCM

This year’s inflow has surpassed all previous records.

Heavy Rainfall:

• Punjab experienced extraordinary rainfall, the heaviest since 1988, causing massive flooding in the region.
• The Beas River basin recorded an inflow of 220,000 cusecs in just one day.

Flood Impact:

• Without timely release of water, Punjab could have faced catastrophic floods.
• At peak levels, Bhakra Dam and Pong Dam had to discharge water downstream to manage rising levels.

Political Dispute Between Punjab & Himachal Pradesh:

• Both states criticized BBMB for the way it managed water releases.

• Punjab: Alleged delays in water release worsened flooding.
• Disputes emerge regarding dam desilting, as accumulated silt has lowered Bhakra Dam’s storage capacity by 25%.
• Conflicts have arisen over the desilting of Bhakra Dam, as sediment buildup has reduced its storage capacity by 25%.

Desilting Challenge:

• Desilting requires coordination among states, but past efforts failed due to lack of consensus.
• Previous plans were blocked by Himachal Pradesh’s mining department, causing delays.

Future Measures Proposed:

• BBMB releases water based on advance forecasts from IMD and the Global Forecast System.
• Governments to strengthen embankments and improve flood management systems.
• Emphasis on scientific, cooperative planning to prevent future flooding.

About Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects, which are major multipurpose river valley projects in northern India.

These projects play a crucial role in irrigation, hydropower generation, and flood control across several states in the region.

Background & Establishment:

Established in 1966 following the division of Punjab, which led to the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Legal Framework:

• Governed by the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
• Section 79 of the Act provides for the creation of BBMB to manage the assets of the Bhakra Nangal and Beas Projects.

Headquarters: Chandigarh, India.