New Delhi, February 26, 2024: After nearly three decades of persistent effort, the Shahpurkandi Dam project has reached its completion milestone. Commencing water storage operations from Wednesday night, this long-awaited accomplishment marks a significant stride in bolstering water management infrastructure in the region.
With the initiation of water storage, a pivotal shift unfolds as approximately 12 thousand cusecs of water from the Ravi river, hitherto destined for Pakistan, will now be retained within the national boundaries. This strategic move not only secures water resources but also promises to invigorate agricultural prospects for the region.
The cessation of water flow to Pakistan heralds a boon for local farmers, particularly in the Jammu-Kashmir and Punjab regions, offering a lifeline to approximately 37 thousand hectares of arable land. Notably, the lion’s share of this irrigable expanse, accounting for 32 thousand hectares, lies within the verdant landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
The fruition of the Shahpurkandi Dam project holds the promise of transforming the agricultural landscape, especially for farmers in the Kandi area of Kathua-Samba. As the project ushers in a new era of water resource management, it underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural sustainability and fostering economic growth in the region.
The completion of this ambitious endeavour stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the stakeholders involved, promising a brighter, more water-secure future for the agrarian heartlands of Jammu-Kashmir and Punjab.
