India completely stops Ravi river water flow to Pakistan. Historical context and significance

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Shahpur Kandi barrage has effectively ceased the flow of water from the Ravi river into Pakistan, according to a report. Located on the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border, this development signifies a significant shift in water allocation, with the Jammu and Kashmir region now set to benefit from the 1150 cusecs of water previously destined for Pakistan. The diverted water will serve irrigation purposes, providing a boon to over 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts. Despite facing numerous challenges over the past three decades, the Shahpur Kandi barrage project, essential for irrigation and hydropower generation, is on the brink of completion.

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan, India possesses exclusive rights over the waters of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. The successful implementation of the Shahpur Kandi barrage empowers India to maximize the utilization of the Ravi river's waters, redirecting previously allocated resources from the old Lakhanpur dam towards Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Shahpur Kandi barrage

Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao laid the foundation stone for the Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project in 1995. However, disputes between the governments of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab resulted in the project's suspension for over four and a half years. In 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally, pledged to ensure the efficient utilization of waters from the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers for Indian farmers. He emphasized India's rightful claim to these waters and the imperative to prevent their wastage in Pakistan. A task force was subsequently established to guarantee that every