Chandigarh, 06 August (H.S.): Punjab Water Resources and Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday dismissed speculation over the structural safety of the Bhakhra Dam, asserting that the structure was completely safe and there was no reason for panic.

Speaking during Zero Hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Goyal said reports claiming that the dam had tilted were misleading and had created unnecessary fear. He explained that slight movement under increased water pressure was part of the dam’s engineering design and that the structure returned to its original position once the pressure reduced.

The minister said the reported movement of 1.03 inches was well within prescribed engineering parameters. Similar movements had been recorded 15 times between 1995 and 2025, and the dam had returned to its normal position on every occasion without raising any safety concern.

Addressing the issue of silt accumulation, Goyal said the deposits were located nearly 12 kilometres upstream from the dam wall and had no connection with its structural stability. He acknowledged that around 26 per cent silt accumulation had reduced the reservoir’s storage capacity. However, he maintained that it posed no threat to the dam.

He said the Punjab Government had repeatedly raised the desilting issue with the Bhakra Beas Management Board and the Union Government, as responsibility for the work rested with them. Removing the silt, he added, would help restore reservoir capacity and improve water availability.

Rejecting opposition allegations over mining, Goyal said Punjab had emerged as a leading state in mining reforms. He claimed that mining revenue, which was around ₹120 crore during previous governments, had increased to more than ₹825 crore in the current financial year.

He added that Punjab secured the top position in its category in the Centre’s assessment of mining reforms and received a ₹200-crore appreciation award from the Union Government. The state had also adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, with cases and FIRs being registered whenever violations were reported.

Goyal said exploration of potash deposits had gained momentum after the Centre sanctioned around ₹19 crore for detailed surveys and drilling at 10 additional locations. He also referred to historical Geological Survey of India reports indicating possible gold-bearing zones along the Siswan and Budki rivers.

The minister said modern technology was being used to assess potash and gold reserves. Oil exploration was also progressing in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Faridkot, with the state assuring full administrative support to central agencies.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH