India has taken a big step towards stopping the water of Ravi river from going to Pakistan. The work of Shahpur Kandi Dam is in the final stage and will be completed by 31 March 2026. After this, the remaining water of Ravi river will not go to Pakistan, but will be used to irrigate the drought-hit lands of Kathua, Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
The project will prove to be a lifeline for Jammu
This project is located on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Minister Javed Ahmed Rana clearly said on Monday, ‘Yes, the excess water of Ravi river will be stopped from going to Pakistan. It is necessary to stop this. He said that Kathua and Samba districts are affected by drought and this project will prove to be a lifeline for these areas.
What will be the main benefits of this project?
- 32,173 hectares of land will be irrigated in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
- About 5,000 hectares of additional land in Punjab will get water.
- Overall, more than 37,000 hectares of agricultural land will be benefited and electricity will also be generated.
- The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 485.38 crore for the irrigation share.
- This will prevent wastage of water, which earlier used to go to Pakistan through Madhopur headworks.
What is the relation of Indus Water Treaty to this project?
Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, India has full rights over the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. But due to technical shortcomings and absence of dam, a lot of Ravi water used to go to Pakistan. The Shahpur Kandi project is within the scope of the treaty because it exercises India’s rights.
The project was started in 2001, but remained stalled due to the dispute between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. In 2018, with the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an agreement was reached and the work was expedited. Now it is being completed in ‘mission mode’.
What impact will this project have on Pakistan?
Pakistan is already struggling with water crisis. Due to stagnation of remaining water of Ravi, there could be a huge shortage in its lower areas. India had suspended the treaty after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, stopped data sharing and sought answers from Pakistan on terrorism. Now blocking Ravi water is also being considered a part of strategic pressure against terrorism. Former Irrigation Minister Taj Mohidin said that this is completely in accordance with the treaty.
Jammu and Kashmir MLA Dr. Rameshwar Singh said that now the water will irrigate the lands of Kathua instead of Pakistan. This step is important for maximum utilization of India’s natural resources and regional development. Upon completion of the dam by March 31, 2026, the water of Ravi will remain entirely in India.
