Islamabad, 26 February 2024 (TDI): In a strategic move, India has completed the Shahpur Kandi barrage construction, effectively stopping the flow of the Ravi river to Pakistan.
This decision marks a significant shift in water management and allocation, impacting agricultural opportunities and regional dynamics.
According to reports, the Shahpur Kandi barrage, situated on the borders of Indian Punjab and the state of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), now redirects 1,150 cusecs of water towards irrigation purposes in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
This move comes after the completion of a long-awaited project spanning over three decades, overcoming delays and challenges.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, India and Pakistan agreed to share the waters of the rivers in the region. The treaty allocated the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) to India and the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan.
However, with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage, India exercises exclusive control over the Ravi River’s resources, aligning with the terms of the treaty.
The Shahpur Kandi barrage project, which began construction in 1992 and was completed in 2022, now allows India to fully utilize its allocated share of the Ravi River’s water, previously flowing into Pakistan.
This reallocation is expected to benefit over 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts, bolstering agricultural opportunities in the region.
This development underscores India’s commitment to utilizing its water resources effectively while addressing local needs in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Pakistan restores Indus Basin through Living Indus Initiative
The completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage signifies a milestone in water management and infrastructure development, ensuring the region’s prosperity and sustainability.
In response to these developments, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to the strict implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty to address the looming water crisis.
Pakistan aims to reinvigorate the Indus River basin, which provides essential resources for millions of people, through multi-dimensional initiatives like the Living Indus projects.
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