Shahpur Kandi Dam Nears Completion: India Moves to Harness Ravi Waters

Why in the News?

India plans to block the surplus flow of the Ravi River to Pakistan as the long-delayed Shahpur Kandi Dam Project on the Punjab–Jammu & Kashmir border approaches completion.

The development assumes significance in the context of India’s utilisation of its share of eastern rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Background and Treaty Context

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) allocates the waters of:

• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) → India
• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) → Pakistan (with limited Indian usage rights)

Despite having full rights over the eastern rivers, India has historically been unable to fully utilise its allocated share, resulting in some surplus water flowing into Pakistan.

The completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam is expected to help India optimise the utilisation of Ravi waters for irrigation and power generation.

Overview of the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project

The Shahpur Kandi Dam is located in Pathankot district, Punjab, downstream of the Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Key Features

• Constructed on the Ravi River
• Designed to harness water released from Ranjit Sagar Dam
• Enables hydroelectric power generation
• Facilitates irrigation in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir

The project involves the construction of a dam and hydropower facilities to regulate and utilise surplus water.

Institutional and Financial Structure

• Declared a National Project in 2008
• Funding pattern:
  • Punjab Government: 80%
  • Central Government: 20%
• Constructed by the Irrigation Department of the Government of Punjab

The project experienced delays due to inter-state disputes between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir over water sharing and power allocation.

Strategic and Economic Significance

Optimal Utilisation of Eastern Rivers

The dam enables India to fully utilise its share of Ravi waters under the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing unutilised outflow to Pakistan.

Irrigation Benefits

• Expansion of irrigation coverage in Jammu region
• Increased agricultural productivity
• Improved water security

Power Generation

The water released from Ranjit Sagar Dam will be used for hydroelectric generation at Shahpur Kandi, enhancing renewable energy capacity.

Strategic Signalling

In the backdrop of fluctuating India–Pakistan relations, efficient utilisation of treaty-allocated waters strengthens India’s strategic position without violating treaty obligations.

Inter-State and Federal Dimensions

The project underscores:

• Centre–State coordination in infrastructure development
• Resolution of interstate disputes over water and power sharing
• Cooperative federalism in national projects

The eventual breakthrough in disputes allowed the project to resume construction after years of stagnation.

Significance

• Enhances India’s compliance and utilisation under the Indus Waters Treaty
• Strengthens irrigation and hydropower infrastructure
• Promotes renewable energy generation
• Reduces wastage of allocated river waters
• Reinforces strategic water management in border regions

The Shahpur Kandi Dam represents a critical step in optimising eastern river resources while balancing development and treaty obligations.