The Shahpur Kandi barrage, situated at the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, has halted the flow of river Ravi water to Pakistan.
A crucial turning point in the region's water management strategy, according to experts, with implications for irrigation, hydel power generation, and overall socio-economic development.
Official sources confirm that the Irrigation and Hydel Power Generation Project has overcome various obstacles to reach this crucial juncture.
With this, the Indian authorities as per Indus Water Treaty, will make maximum use of Ravi river and the water which was earlier use to flow towards Pakistan from old Lakhanpur dam, raised to divert river water to Madhopur Canal, will now be used in J&K and Punjab.
“This multipurpose project worth Rs 3300 crores (Revised cost) would not only provide 1150 cusecs of irrigation water to the J&K and over 5000 cusecs of water to Punjab state, but also generate about 206 MW of electricity besid attracting tourists to the site. Punjab state would be the major beneficiary of the power generated from this project,” a source said.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, maintained that the project had faced “prolonged delays” under previous successive governments in Jammu and Kashmir, primarily due to political considerations.
These delays hindered the project's progress, despite its potential to significantly benefit the Samba and Kathua districts of the Jammu region.
The intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, played a pivotal role in reviving the project and expediting its completion.
“In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed about the Shahpur Kandi project and its benefits. He set up a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the PM’s then Principal Secretary, Nripendra Mishra. Even former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tried to sabotage the project by raising the demand for Rs 600 crore in compensation from the Punjab Government,” Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled, but said it was because of Narendra Modi’s efforts and his initiative that the project was revived after 40 years following the imposition of Governor’s Rule in Jammu and Kashmir and was given the status of national project, leading to its expeditious completion.
With an estimated cost of Rs 3300 crores, the multipurpose project promises to provide 1150 cusecs of irrigation water to Jammu and Kashmir and over 5000 cusecs of water to Punjab state. Additionally, the project is expected to generate approximately 206 MW of electricity and attract tourists to the site, further enhancing its socio-economic impact.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the project's significance, emphasising its potential to benefit the agricultural communities of Samba and Kathua districts. Despite facing political hurdles and delays, the project has been fast-tracked to completion, underscoring the government's commitment to regional development.
Executive Engineer Ajit Kumar provided insights into the project's progress, noting that the required height of the Shahpur Kandi dam will be achieved within 90 days. The systematic release of water from the Ranjeet Sagar Dam for the Shahpur Kandi barrage is underway, laying the groundwork for enhanced water management in the region.
The revised project cost of Rs 3300 crores reflects the scale and scope of the Shahpur Kandi initiative, encompassing irrigation, hydel power generation, and tourism development. Punjab stands to benefit significantly from the power generated by the project, while Jammu and Kashmir will receive a substantial share of Ravi river water for irrigation purposes.
Looking ahead, the Shahpur Kandi Power House is expected to commence electricity generation by the end of next year, further bolstering the region's energy infrastructure.
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