News Brief
India Halts Flow Of Ravi River To Pakistan, Say Reports: Here's What We Know So Far
Shahpur Kandi Irrigation and Hydel Power Generation Project.
In a significant development as reported by some media outlets, the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage, situated at the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border, has effectively halted the flow of water from the River Ravi to Pakistan.
As per reports, the Shahpur Kandi Irrigation and Hydel Power Generation Project, which has faced numerous challenges over three decades, has finally reached a pivotal stage.
Media reports further highlight that the significance of the project in not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to adhere to the Indus Water Treaty's provisions.
This redirection of water resources is reportedly in line with India's efforts to prioritize domestic developments.
The project, which traces its origins to the foundation stone laid by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1995, had encountered several hurdles in the past, primarily due to disputes between the governments of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
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However, under the present Modi government and the intervention of Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, the project reportedly resumed in 2018.
It's important to note that India had earlier in 2019 declared that it would cease the flow of its portion of river waters into Pakistan, indicating a reevaluation of punitive actions available following the Pulwama terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 soldiers.
Nitin Gadkari, the then Minister of Water Resources, had said "Our government has resolved to halt the water flow destined for Pakistan. We will redirect water from eastern rivers to cater to the needs of our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab."
According to the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the eastern rivers of the water system — Sutlej, Ravi and Beas — were to be with India while Pakistan would get Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
However, India had not exploited the waters of Ravi and Beas to it's full potential earlier due to inter-state disputes.
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