The completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Ravi River, bordering Indian Punjab and Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has reportedly halted water flow to Pakistan, according to Indian media. Previously allocated to Pakistan, 1150 cusecs of water will now benefit Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, aiding 32,000 hectares of land in Kathua and Samba districts.
India’s pursuit of its water agenda includes projects like the Shahkandi barrage for irrigation and hydro power, diverting water from Pakistan. India has previously constructed dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, divides rivers between India and Pakistan, with the Eastern Rivers allotted to India and Western Rivers to Pakistan. Completion of the Shahpur Kandi dam allows India to utilize Ravi River water previously flowing to Pakistan.
Notably, the Shahpur Kandi project, initiated in 1995, faced disputes for over four years. Pakistan’s UN Representative, Ambassador Munir Akram, highlighted the importance of the Indus River basin, providing food security to millions. Pakistan urges strict adherence to the 1960 Treaty to address water scarcity, launching projects like Living Indus to safeguard water resources.
