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Shahpur Kandi Dam Completion Sparks India-Pakistan Water Dispute

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. pletion-sparks-india-pakistan-water-dispute.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 14:27 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: INDIA, PAKISTAN

New Delhi, February 16th, 2026 - The impending completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project signals a significant shift in water management dynamics between India and Pakistan. After decades of negotiation, arbitration, and construction delays, the dam is poised to significantly reduce the excess flow of the Ravi River into Pakistan, a move with substantial economic and geopolitical implications for both nations.

The project, rooted in the 1994 treaty which affirmed water sharing agreements, has been a complex undertaking spanning over forty years. Originally conceived as a means to bolster irrigation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Shahpur Kandi Dam's near completion marks a turning point in India's utilization of the Ravi River's resources. Once fully operational, the dam is anticipated to divert approximately 1100 cusecs of water - a substantial volume - for domestic agricultural purposes, primarily benefitting farmers in the region.

This development directly stems from the broader context of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This landmark agreement, brokered by the World Bank, divided the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan, allocating the waters of the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) largely to India, while giving Pakistan rights over the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). The treaty permits India to use the waters of the Eastern Rivers for limited irrigation, power generation, and other purposes, but mandates the release of any excess water to Pakistan. India argues that the current flow to Pakistan exceeds what's explicitly required under the treaty, and the Shahpur Kandi Dam is merely a mechanism to responsibly utilize what is rightfully available to it.

However, Islamabad views the situation differently. Pakistani officials have voiced concerns that the reduced water supply will severely impact agricultural lands and threaten the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Ravi River for irrigation. They argue that while India has the right to utilize its allocated share, the dam's construction and operation could lead to water scarcity in already arid regions of Pakistan. This concern is heightened by Pakistan's increasing vulnerability to climate change and its reliance on the Indus River basin for agricultural production - a cornerstone of its economy.

The completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam isn't solely about water volume; it's also about regional power dynamics. Some analysts believe the project represents a subtle assertion of India's rights under the IWT, particularly after periods of strained bilateral relations. While India maintains it's adhering to the treaty's provisions, the timing of the project's completion, after years of delays, raises questions about its strategic significance.

The dam is projected to bring approximately 3,800 hectares of land under irrigation, significantly boosting agricultural output in Jammu and Kashmir. This is particularly crucial in a region aiming for increased economic development and food security. The project's benefits extend beyond agriculture, potentially supporting hydropower generation and providing improved water access for local communities.

Looking ahead, the successful operation of the Shahpur Kandi Dam will require careful monitoring and transparent data sharing between India and Pakistan. Continued dialogue and adherence to the IWT's dispute resolution mechanisms are vital to prevent future conflicts. International observers, including the World Bank which acted as a guarantor for the original Indus Waters Treaty, are closely monitoring the situation, urging both countries to address concerns through established channels.

The impact of the dam is expected to be felt most acutely in the short term. Pakistan is currently undertaking studies to assess the potential long-term effects on its agricultural sector and is exploring alternative water management strategies, including improved irrigation techniques and water conservation measures. India, on its part, is emphasizing its commitment to responsible water management and has indicated its willingness to engage in further discussions with Pakistan to address any legitimate concerns. The future hinges on a delicate balance of national interests, treaty obligations, and a commitment to cooperative water resource management in the Indus River basin.