Shahpurkandi Dam Project on Ravi River and Indus Water Treaty
The Shahpurkandi Dam Project, located on the Ravi River, is a significant multipurpose project in India that aims to enhance water management and power generation. Here’s an overview of the project and its implications under the Indus Water Treaty:
Shahpurkandi Dam Project
Components: The project includes a 55.5-meter-high concrete dam, a 7.70 km long hydel channel, two head regulators, and two power houses with a total installed capacity of 206 MW.
Objectives: It is designed to provide a balancing reservoir for uniform water releases to the Upper Bari Doab Canal, Kashmir Canal, and the high-level Ravi Canal in Jammu and Kashmir. The project will also optimize power generation from the Ranjit Sagar Dam during peak hours.
Benefits: It will help irrigate 5,000 hectares in Punjab and over 32,000 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir. The project has been declared a ‘National Project’ by the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.
Indus Water Treaty
Treaty Overview: The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, allocates the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. India has exclusive rights over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
Implications for Shahpurkandi Dam: The treaty allows India to utilize the Ravi River’s waters fully. The Shahpurkandi Dam project aligns with this provision by maximizing the use of Ravi’s waters for irrigation and power generation in India, thereby reducing unutilized water flow to Pakistan.
Regional Impact: The completion of the Shahpurkandi Dam has raised concerns in Pakistan about reduced water flow downstream. However, it is within India’s rights under the treaty to manage its allocated waters efficiently.
Historical and Current Developments
Delays and Disputes: The project faced significant delays due to funding issues and disputes between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. It was revived after being declared a national project in 2018.
Current Status: The dam is nearing completion, with initial water filling and testing underway. It is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and economic growth in the region by optimizing water use.
Shahpurkandi Dam Project & Indus Water Treaty
Shahpurkandi Dam Project Overview:
Location: Punjab, India, on the Ravi River near Pathankot.
Objective: Utilize India’s share of Ravi’s waters under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
Capacity:
Hydropower: 206 MW (Two powerhouses: 168 MW + 38 MW)
Irrigation: 5,000 hectares in Punjab and 32,173 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir.
Strategic Importance:
Helps in controlling excess water flow into Pakistan.
Enhances agricultural and electricity production in India.
Complements the Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam) for better water utilization.
Indus Water Treaty & Shahpurkandi Dam
Signed in: 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.
Division of Rivers:
India’s control: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (Eastern Rivers).
Pakistan’s control: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab (Western Rivers).
Why Shahpurkandi is Important:
Under the treaty, India has exclusive rights over Ravi, yet some of its water flows into Pakistan.
The dam helps stop unutilized water from reaching Pakistan.
Enhances India’s water security by utilizing its full share.
The project faced delays but was revived in 2018 with funding from the Indian government. It is crucial for India’s water management strategy under the IWT.
