By IANS,
Chandigarh : Newly-appointed chairman of Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB) A.B. Aggarwal Wednesday said he was satisfied with the security arrangements at the Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh.
“IB (intelligence bureau) and the power ministry are jointly working in this direction. I have already visited the dam and am totally satisfied with the arrangements. Security forces have been deployed there by the state government,” Aggarwal told reporters here.
He added: “The Bhakra Dam is not the only one facing threat but other national projects in Jammu and Kashmir, northeast and in other parts of northern India are also facing threats. IB officials are going there on regular visits and looking after the security arrangements and other aspects.”
Earlier, security at the Bhakra Dam was beefed up in March last year following reports from the central intelligence agencies that terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) intended to target the mega hydro-electric project.
The 225-metre-high earthen dam is located about 20 km from Nangal town in Punjab. The dam on Sutlej river lies along Himachal Pradesh’s border with Punjab.
“Periodic meetings are held and security agencies give us various directions and suggestions to maintain foolproof security — like to enhance night surveillance, install spike barriers, metal detectors and various other gadgets,” pointed out Aggarwal, who became BBMB chairman last month.
He has held meetings with the chief ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh since he took up the new posting.
“I have met the chief ministers of these states and discussed various issues. Nobody complains about anything to me,” he stated.
The Bhakra Dam is crucial for power generation and water supply to the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.