The Shahpur Kandi dam project, a long-awaited initiative aimed at harnessing the waters of the River Ravi for irrigation and power generation, is almost complete. However, Jammu and Kashmir is still awaiting its rightful share of water from the project due to delays in full pondage of the reservoir. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally sought a time frame from the Punjab Government to release water, underlining the urgency of the matter. This project holds immense significance for J&K as it promises to provide 1150 cusecs of water for irrigation, benefiting 32,173 hectares of land in Kathua and Samba districts. The implementation of a gravity-fed irrigation technique is expected to revolutionise agricultural productivity in these regions, providing a much-needed boost to farmers who have long struggled with erratic water supply.
However, despite the completion of civil works by Punjab’s Irrigation Department, a committee constituted by the Punjab Government has yet to submit its compliance report to the National Dam Safety Authority, delaying the full storage of the dam. Without this, J&K cannot receive its fair share of water, highlighting the need for prompt resolution of pending approvals. While the ShahpurKandi dam has been declared a National Project since 2008, the bureaucratic hurdles and technical delays have prevented the full realisation of its potential benefits. This underscores a broader issue in India’s water resource management-projects of national importance often face decades of delays due to red tape, interstate disputes, and administrative inefficiencies. The Centre must step in to ensure that such bottlenecks do not hinder crucial developmental projects.
Apart from the administrative delays in water release, J&K’s existing canal system is reportedly ill-equipped to handle the large volume of water that will eventually be released from the dam. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has drafted a plan to strengthen weak spots in the canal system on a priority basis, but it is evident that a more comprehensive approach is needed. A project proposal under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was previously submitted for funding but was rejected by the Central Water Commission due to a guideline restricting financial assistance for the same project within a 10-year period. This highlights the need for a flexible and pragmatic approach towards funding crucial projects. The Union Government must work closely with the J&K administration to identify alternative funding mechanisms, whether through state budgets, central assistance, or public-private partnerships.
Beyond irrigation, the ShahpurKandi project also has significant implications for power generation. With a total capacity of 206 MW, the project is expected to generate 1042 million units of electricity annually, with J&K receiving a fair share of the generated power. This will contribute to the region’s energy security, reducing its dependence on external power sources and aiding overall economic development.
The ShahpurKandi dam project is not just about water sharing; it is about regional development, agricultural growth, and economic prosperity. The timely release of water and the strengthening of the canal system will have a cascading effect on the livelihoods of farmers in the Kathua and Samba districts. It will also contribute to food security and rural development in the region. The J&K Government must adopt a proactive approach to ensure that the benefits of the project are not delayed further.
Moreover, the project serves as a reminder of the importance of interstate cooperation in water resource management. Water is a shared resource, and its equitable distribution is essential for maintaining harmony among states. The Punjab Government must recognise the significance of the ShahpurKandi dam for J&K and work collaboratively to address the pending issues. At the same time, J&K must demonstrate its commitment to utilising the water resources efficiently by investing in infrastructure and ensuring that the canal system is ready to handle the increased flow. The people of Kathua and Samba have waited long enough; it is time to deliver on the promises made to them.
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