India has taken a significant step by halting water flow from the Ravi River into Pakistan following the Shahpur Kandi barrage construction. As reported by media outlets on Saturday, this development entails redirecting 1150 cusecs of Ravi water towards irrigating more than 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
India has successfully completed the Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project and demonstrated its commitment to regional development and water resource management. This transformative initiative is poised to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable energy generation, and foster economic growth in Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir.
Overcoming Decades of Challenges: The Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project
The Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project, which commenced with the foundation stone laid by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1995, faced numerous challenges over the past thirty years. The project encountered domestic disputes between the governments of Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab, leading to its suspension for several years. However, the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, facilitated its resumption in 2018 after a hiatus of over four and a half years.
Dainik Jagran: पाकिस्तान जाना बंद हुआ रावी का पानी, शाहपुर कंडी बांध के गेट बंद#Kathua #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/UMKY5Fr9Fs
— Dr Jitendra Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@DrJitendraSingh) February 25, 2024
“This multipurpose project, valued at Rs 3300 crores, will not only provide irrigation water to Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab but will also generate approximately 206 MW of electricity and attract tourists to the site,” official sources stated. The project’s completion signifies a significant achievement in ensuring water security and boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
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Shahpur Kandi Power House: A Milestone in Infrastructure Development
Completing the Shahpur Kandi Power House holds immense significance for Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir. With the initiation of water retention at the barrage, sourced from the Ranjeet Sagar Dam, the required dam height is expected to be achieved within 90 days. The project, with its revised cost of Rs 3300 crores, includes the construction of a 206 MW hydel power project. While Punjab stands to benefit from the electricity generated, Jammu and Kashmir will receive a significant share of water from the Ravi River, catering to its agricultural and developmental needs.
The project’s designation as a Project of National Importance in 2018 underscores its strategic significance in harnessing the potential of the Ravi River. By redirecting water towards domestic use, India aims to optimize its natural resources for sustainable development and economic growth.
