Why in news?
India is set to complete the long‑delayed Shahpur Kandi Dam on the Ravi River by the end of March 2026. Officials announced that once commissioned, the dam will prevent surplus water from flowing into Pakistan, ensuring that the eastern river’s resources are fully utilised within India.
Background
The Shahpur Kandi project, declared a national project in 2008, is situated downstream of the Ranjit Sagar Dam in Pathankot district, Punjab. Conceived in a 1979 agreement between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory), it consists of a 55.5 m high concrete gravity dam and a 7.7 km hydel channel. Key facts include:
- Power generation: The dam will generate about 206 MW of hydroelectricity by using water released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam.
- Irrigation benefits: It will irrigate roughly 5 000 hectares in Punjab and about 32 000 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua and Samba districts, alleviating drought conditions in the Kandi area.
- Cost and funding: The project is being built at a cost of approximately ₹3 394 crore, with Punjab contributing 80% and the central government providing 20%.
- Historical context: Although agreements were reached in the 1970s and the Planning Commission approved the project in 2001, progress stalled for decades due to funding shortages and interstate disputes. A fresh agreement between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir in 2018 revived construction.
- Indus Waters Treaty angle: Under the 1960 treaty, India can fully utilise the waters of the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers. Excess Ravi water has been flowing downstream into Pakistan through the Madhopur Headworks. Completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam aims to store and divert this water for irrigation and power generation within Indian territory.
Source: News 18