Why Has India Completely Stopped the Flow of Ravi River Water to Pakistan?
The stoppage of the Ravi River's water flow by India carries historical significance and has implications for the relationship between India and Pakistan.
India has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage on the Ravi River, marking a strategic shift in water management on February 25, 2024, according to various media reports.
After overcoming delays spanning over three decades, this long-awaited project now redirects 1,150 cusecs of water towards irrigation purposes in the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
In this significant development, India has completely halted the flow of water from the Ravi River to Pakistan by building Shahpur Kandi barrage. This action has historical context and carries immense significance for both countries.
Background
The Ravi River is one of the six rivers of the Indus Basin System, originating in India's Himachal Pradesh state and flowing into Pakistan's Punjab province. Its waters have been vital for sustaining agricultural activities and supporting livelihoods in both countries for centuries.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in 1960, the waters of the Indus-System Rivers were divided between India and Pakistan. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocated rights for the usage of water from these rivers for irrigation, power generation, and other purposes, aiming to prevent conflicts over water resources between the two nations.
Importance
The Ravi River's waters are crucial for Pakistan's agricultural and irrigation needs, particularly in its Punjab region, considered the country's breadbasket. Farmers rely on the river's waters to irrigate their crops, ensuring food security and economic stability.
Any disruption in the flow of water from the Ravi River can have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's agricultural sector, impacting crop yields and livelihoods.
Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, a portion of the Ravi River's water flowed into Pakistan via the Lakhanpur dam. However, the Shahpur Kandi Barrage effectively ceases this flow, allowing India to fully utilize its allocated share of the river's resources.
This move aligns with the treaty, which grants India exclusive control over the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers, while Pakistan manages the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
By stopping the flow of water, India aims to assert control over its share of the river's resources, impacting Pakistan's water supply and agricultural activities.
Therefore, this move has significant implications for bilateral relations between the two countries, potentially exacerbating existing tensions and disputes over water-sharing agreements.
Historical Context
The decision to halt the Ravi River's flow is not unprecedented. In the past, tensions between India and Pakistan over water-sharing agreements have led to similar actions and disputes. Both countries have experienced conflicts and disagreements over water resources, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes.
Historically, water has been a contentious issue between India and Pakistan, with disputes over river water sharing contributing to diplomatic tensions and conflicts. While serving as a framework for managing water resources, the Indus Waters Treaty has faced challenges and controversies, highlighting the complexities of water governance in the region.
History of the Project
The Shahpur Kandi Barrage project was conceived in the 1950s, but construction did not commence until 1992. Originally scheduled for completion in 2002, the project faced delays due to various factors, including funding issues, land acquisition problems, and environmental concerns.
However, it was finally completed in 2022, marking a significant achievement in India's water management infrastructure.
Above all, this milestone is expected to have far-reaching implications for agriculture, livelihoods, and regional development, underscoring India's commitment to harnessing its water resources for the benefit of its citizens.