India Stops Ravi River Water Flow to Pakistan: Impact and Details of the Shahpur Kandi Project.

Manjushree Sudheendra6 hours ago6 hours ago05 mins

India Halts Water Flow of Ravi River to Pakistan: Understanding the Shahpur Kandi Project.

India Stops Ravi River Water Flow to Pakistan: Impact and Details of the Shahpur Kandi Project.

India has officially halted the flow of the Ravi River into Pakistan by completing the Shahpur Kandi barrage. This move, within the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, aims to provide much-needed irrigation and power to the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab regions. Learn about the project’s significance and its impact on regional water dynamics.

India Completes Shahpur Kandi Barrage, Utilizing Its Full Share of Ravi River Waters

In a significant move concerning regional water management and the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India has effectively stopped the flow of the Ravi River into Pakistan. This was achieved through the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage, located on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

The move marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to fully utilize its allotted water rights under the 1960 treaty.

Background: The Indus Waters Treaty

Signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the distribution of the Indus River system’s waters between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty:

India has exclusive rights over the waters of the three “Eastern Rivers”: the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Pakistan has rights over the waters of the three “Western Rivers”: the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, with certain exceptions for India (such as non-consumptive use and limited irrigation).

For decades, a portion of India’s allotted water from the Ravi River continued to flow into Pakistan due to a lack of complete infrastructure to harness it. The Shahpur Kandi project was designed specifically to address this.

The Shahpur Kandi Project: A Decades-Long Endeavor

The Shahpur Kandi Dam project, situated downstream from the massive Ranjit Sagar Dam, has faced numerous delays since its inception in 1995. Disputes between the state governments of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir halted construction for several years.

Work resumed in earnest in 2018 after an agreement was reached between the two states, facilitated by the central government. The project’s completion is a strategic victory for India’s water management policy.

Key Benefits and Impact

The primary objective of the Shahpur Kandi barrage is to divert water that previously flowed into Pakistan to benefit Indian farmers and residents. Key impacts include:

Irrigation for Jammu and Kashmir: Approximately 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir will now receive much-needed irrigation. These areas have historically struggled with water scarcity and drought-like conditions.
Support for Punjab: The project will also stabilize and improve the irrigation system for over 5,000 hectares of land in Punjab.
Hydroelectric Power Generation: The project includes a powerhouse with a capacity of approximately 206 MW, contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals.
Full Treaty Compliance: By utilizing the Ravi’s waters, India is operating within the legal framework of the Indus Waters Treaty. The water being diverted is part of India’s sovereign entitlement.

Regional Implications

The stoppage of water flow has drawn attention in Pakistan, which is already grappling with severe water stress. While India is acting within its treaty rights, the move underscores the sensitive nature of water diplomacy in South Asia.

For India, the project is a crucial step toward achieving water security in its northern states. By diverting “excess water” that was previously unutilized, the government aims to transform the agricultural landscape of the Kandi region, fulfilling a long-standing promise to local communities.

As the Shahpur Kandi project becomes fully operational, it serves as a testament to India’s commitment to maximizing its natural resources for domestic development while navigating the complexities of international water sharing agreements.