From Bhakra to Beas: BBMB marks Golden Jubilee, celebrates five decades of water, power, regional development
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 15,2026
Today marks the golden jubilee of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), one of northern India’s most prestigious institutions in the field of water and power management. The Board completes 50 years since it was officially renamed and reconstituted as the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on May 15, 1976.
The foundation of the BBMB traces back to the Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, under which the waters of the three eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas and Ravi — were allocated to India for exclusive use, while the Chenab and Jhelum were allotted to Pakistan.
Following the treaty, a comprehensive master plan was prepared to harness the waters of these rivers for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The Bhakra and Beas projects emerged as major components of this ambitious plan and were established as a joint venture of the erstwhile states of Punjab and Rajasthan.
After the reorganisation of the erstwhile Punjab state on November 1, 1966, the Bhakra Management Board (BMB) was constituted under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. The administration, operation and maintenance of the Bhakra Nangal Project were formally transferred to the Board with effect from October 1, 1967.
Subsequently, upon completion of the Beas Project works, the Government of India transferred them from the Beas Construction Board (BCB) to the Bhakra Management Board under Section 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act. Consequently, the Bhakra Management Board was renamed as the Bhakra Beas Management Board on May 15, 1976.
Over the past five decades, the BBMB has played a crucial role in regulating the supply of water and power from the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects to the partner states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, as well as Delhi and Chandigarh.
Despite facing controversies and political challenges from time to time, the Board has continued to serve the partner states with commitment and dedication, contributing significantly to regional development, agriculture and power generation.
About Bhakra Dam
The construction of the Bhakra Dam officially began in 1948, with the foundational concrete pouring ceremony taking place on November 17, 1955. The project was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on October 22, 1963.Bottom of Form
