Punjab amphibious bus runs into controversy, govt accused of destroying crops to facilitate Sukhbir Badal's ride

CHANDIGARH: The first amphibious bus in Punjab, launched with much fanfare by the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Monday, has got into a major controversy.

Villagers near the Harike Pattan lake in Ferozepur, led by Aam Aadmi Party leaders, have accused the Shiromani Akali Dal-led government of destroying crops over hundreds of acres by over flooding the lake.

Villagers alleged that extra water was released to facilitate Sukhbir Badal's ride.


AAP leader Narinder Singh Sandha, a party candidate from Ferozepur (Urban) constituency for Punjab elections, said on Tuesday that extra water was released on a request by Punjab irrigation department, and the release water led to overflowing at some places and it damaged crops over several acres along the embankment area of the river.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had launched the first amphibious bus of the state on Monday. Punjab Government will be launching a similar amphibious bus ride in Bathinda soon.

Sandha claimed that the amphibious bus's trial was to be conducted on December 10, but an expert team from Goa had put it on hold as the water level in the wetlands was insufficient.

"To make the dream project of deputy CM Sukhbir Badal a success on the given date, a request was made to Bhakra Dam officials by the irrigation department to release excess water. It was done so that Sukhbir could inaugurate his dream project before elections," Sandha said.