J&K Plans Ravi Diversion, Revives Tulbul Project

The Jammu & Kashmir government is exploring new water management measures following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly raised with the Centre proposals to divert surplus water from the Ravi river to the Jammu region and to revive the long-pending Tulbul Navigation Barrage project in Kashmir.

The Centre placed the 1960 treaty in abeyance in 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack, opening policy space for fresh hydrological planning in the Union Territory.

Revival of Tulbul Navigation Project

The Tulbul Navigation Barrage project on the Wular Lake was launched in 1984 but halted in 1987 after Pakistan objected under provisions of the IWT. The project aimed to regulate water flow to ensure year-round navigation and maintain minimum water depth in Wular Lake.

With the treaty suspended, the J&K government has proposed maintaining adequate water levels in the lake to restore navigation, rejuvenate the ecosystem and benefit surrounding farmlands. Officials believe the project could provide ecological and economic gains for the Kashmir valley.

Ravi Diversion to Drought-Hit Districts

The government has also proposed diverting surplus water from the Ravi river in Punjab to irrigate barren lands in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu. The move is linked to the near completion of the Shahpur Kandi dam, which is expected to regulate flows and prevent excess water from entering Pakistan.

Additionally, a major pumping project from the Chenab river in Akhnoor has been proposed to meet Jammu’s long-term water demands. Officials describe the Ravi diversion as a priority, particularly for drought-prone areas.

Indus Waters Treaty Framework

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank facilitation, allocated the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas and Sutlej—to India, and the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab—to Pakistan. While India retained limited usage rights on western rivers, storage and diversion projects were subject to treaty constraints.

The treaty has historically survived multiple conflicts, making its suspension a significant geopolitical development.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation.
• Eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej are allocated to India.
• Western rivers: Indus, Jhelum and Chenab are primarily allocated to Pakistan.
• Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, located in Jammu & Kashmir.

Strategic and Development Implications

The proposed measures signal a shift towards maximising utilisation of eastern river waters and re-examining stalled projects. If implemented, the initiatives could strengthen irrigation, navigation and water security in Jammu & Kashmir while reshaping regional water dynamics amid evolving India–Pakistan relations.