New Delhi: The completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage, strategically located at the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border, marks a significant milestone as it halts the flow of water from the River Ravi to Pakistan, according to recent media reports. This development signals a notable shift in water management dynamics in the region, with redirected resources aimed at bolstering irrigation capabilities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua and Samba districts.
Official sources reveal that the Shahpur Kandi Irrigation and Hydel Power Generation Project, despite facing numerous challenges over three decades, has finally reached a crucial stage. The initiation of the pondage process at Shahpur serves as a tangible testament to the project’s progress, reflecting India’s steadfast commitment to harnessing water resources efficiently.
The project’s significance extends beyond its potential to enhance agricultural productivity; it also aligns with the principles of the Indus Water Treaty, allowing India to optimize the utilization of Ravi River water previously designated for Pakistan. This strategic reallocation resonates with India’s dedication to addressing domestic development needs while meeting international obligations.
Originating from the foundation stone laid by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1995, the Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project faced various hurdles, primarily stemming from disputes between the governments of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. However, the determined efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside the intervention of Union MoS in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, facilitated the project’s resurgence in 2018 after a prolonged hiatus.
With an estimated cost of Rs 3300 crore, the Shahpur Kandi project stands as a testament to India’s commitment to infrastructure development and water management initiatives. Apart from its immediate impact on irrigation, the project holds the promise of generating approximately 206 MW of electricity, further bolstering the region’s energy security.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, highlighted the political complexities that hindered the project’s progress, emphasizing the previous governments’ reluctance to prioritize the interests of the Samba and Kathua districts of the Jammu region. However, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the project gained national significance, leading to its expedited completion.
According to Executive Engineer Ajit Kumar, the commencement of the pondage process marks a critical phase in the project’s timeline, with water from the Ranjeet Sagar Dam being channeled systematically to the Shahpur Kandi barrage. As construction progresses, the project is poised to significantly enhance irrigation capacity, benefiting over 32,000 hectares of agricultural land in the Kathua and Samba districts.
Despite challenges such as cost revisions and pending canal work, Kumar remains optimistic about the project’s timely completion. Plans are underway for the Shahpur Kandi Power House to commence electricity generation by the end of the following year.
