Jammu to Harness Rivers as Indus Treaty Lapses
Jammu to Harness Rivers as Indus Treaty Lapses
In the treaty's pause, J&K plans to divert Ravi water, revive Tulbul, and boost Wular navigation to irrigate drought-hit lands.
With the Indus Waters Treaty suspended, the Jammu and Kashmir government is exploring how to use water resources more aggressively. Officials say the Centre’s abeyance of the treaty since 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack, has opened room for new moves. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue with Delhi, signaling a potential shift in how eastern rivers are managed.
One major proposal is to keep Wular Lake navigable year-round by maintaining a minimum depth of water. Officials say this could revive the lake and nearby farmland, boosting irrigation and local livelihoods.
Another key idea is to divert excess Ravi river water from Punjab to feed drought-hit Kathua and Samba in Jammu region. The Shahpur Kandi dam near Punjab, if completed this year, is expected to cut flows to Pakistan and re-route water domestically.
To meet Jammu's growing needs, a major water pump from the Chenab at Akhnoor is proposed. This would push water where it's most needed, aligning with a broader plan to ensure year-round supply.
J&K Water Resources Minister Javeed Rana stressed that the priority is to stop surplus Ravi water from going to Pakistan and redirect it for regional irrigation. The plan would feed margins of Kathua and Samba, potentially transforming agriculture in the drought-prone districts.
Experts note the move carries geopolitical stakes, as any shift in the Indus Water Treaty framework affects Pakistan-India dynamics. Supporters argue it could improve drought resilience, while critics warn of water-sharing tensions.
Overall, the abeyance of the IWT has created a window for new water management strategies in the region, though the Centre and J&K will need careful coordination to avoid conflicts and ensure sustainable use of scarce river water.
