Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday, 6 August 2025, categorically dismissed speculation about the structural integrity of the Bhakhra Dam, telling the state Assembly during Zero Hour that the dam is completely safe and there is absolutely no reason for public panic. The minister said misleading media reports had triggered unnecessary fear among residents of Punjab.

What the Minister Said

Goyal clarified that the reported movement of the dam is an inherent feature of its engineering design, not a sign of structural failure. Referring specifically to media reports claiming the dam had tilted, he said such coverage had created needless alarm. He described Bhakhra Dam as one of the world's finest engineering marvels, noting that expert teams from countries including the United States and Canada have acknowledged its robust design and construction standards.

The 1.03-Inch Movement Explained

The minister explained that the dam is engineered to experience slight movement when water pressure rises and to return to its original position once pressure recedes. The recorded movement of 1.03 inches falls well within the dam's engineering design parameters, he said. Between 1995 and 2025, such movement was recorded 15 times, and on every occasion the structure reverted to its normal position without any safety concern. Goyal confirmed that the movement observed in 2025 is consistent with this pattern of normal structural behaviour.

Silt Accumulation: A Capacity Issue, Not a Safety Risk

Addressing concerns about silt build-up, Goyal clarified that the deposited silt lies nearly 12 km upstream of the dam wall and has no bearing on the dam's structural stability. He acknowledged, however, that approximately 26 per cent silt accumulation has reduced the reservoir's storage capacity. The minister stressed that while this affects water availability, it does not compromise the dam's safety.

Punjab Pushes Centre and BBMB on Desilting

Goyal said the responsibility for desilting operations rests with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Union Government. He informed the House that Punjab has consistently raised the issue at BBMB meetings and that the state government has recently written to both the BBMB and the Centre urging them to undertake desilting at the earliest. 'Punjab has consistently raised the issue of desilting during meetings of the Bhakra Beas Management Board,' he said. The minister added that restoring the reservoir's storage capacity through desilting would enhance overall water availability for the state.

What Happens Next

With the Centre and BBMB now formally urged to act, the pace of desilting operations will be closely watched. Experts and opposition members are likely to press for an independent structural audit and a concrete desilting timeline, particularly as reservoir capacity concerns grow alongside seasonal water demand.