India is set to halt surplus water from the Ravi River that has traditionally flowed into Pakistan, following the near completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam in Jammu & Kashmir. The project, scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026, will capture excess water and redirect it to local irrigation systems in Kathua and Samba, boosting agriculture and water storage in drought‑prone areas.
Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India already has rights over the eastern rivers, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, but surplus water often flowed into Pakistan due to limited diversion infrastructure. The new dam changes this, allowing India to fully utilise its allocated share.
The decision comes after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025, linking its future application to Pakistan’s stance on cross‑border terrorism. Officials emphasize the project is within India’s legal rights and aims to address domestic water needs.
Once operational, the Shahpur Kandi Dam will irrigate over 32,000 hectares in Jammu & Kashmir and more than 5,000 hectares in Punjab. Experts note that Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus basin for agriculture, could face increased water stress during the summer months, adding tension to already fraught bilateral relations over shared river resources.
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