Shahpurkandi Dam Implementation on River Ravi in Punjab

The Shahpurkandi Dam Project is a major inter-state water resources and hydroelectric power development scheme located on the River Ravi in Pathankot district, Punjab. Designed to harness India’s full share of the Ravi waters under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), the project serves multiple purposes—hydropower generation, irrigation, and effective water utilisation. It represents a strategic step toward improving water management, agricultural productivity, and energy security in northern India.

Background

The idea for constructing a dam at Shahpurkandi was first conceived in the late 1970s to supplement the functions of the Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam), located upstream on the River Ravi. The Shahpurkandi Dam was envisioned to utilise the river’s flow more efficiently before it crosses into Pakistan, ensuring that India makes optimal use of its share of waters from the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) as allowed under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Although the project received approval in 1979, its implementation was delayed for decades due to technical, administrative, and inter-state coordination challenges, particularly between Punjab and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Location and Design

• River: Ravi
• District: Pathankot, Punjab
• Proximity: About 11 km downstream of Ranjit Sagar Dam and 8 km upstream of Madhopur Headworks.
• Type: Concrete gravity dam
• Height: Approximately 55.5 metres
• Length: Around 475 metres
• Installed Power Capacity: 206 MW (6 units of 33 MW and 1 unit of 8 MW)

The project has been declared a National Project, enabling financial assistance from the Government of India for its irrigation component.

Objectives

The Shahpurkandi Dam Project was conceptualised to achieve the following objectives:

1. Maximise Utilisation of Ravi Waters: Prevent unutilised water from flowing into Pakistan by diverting it for irrigation and power generation within Indian territory.
2. Hydroelectric Power Generation: Produce 206 MW of renewable hydroelectric power, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
3. Irrigation Development: Provide regulated irrigation water to both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
   • Punjab: Around 5,000 hectares of additional irrigated area.
   • Jammu & Kashmir: Around 32,173 hectares in the districts of Kathua and Samba.
4. Regulation of Water Flow: Act as a balancing reservoir to control and stabilise releases from Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Implementation Timeline

• 1979: Project concept approved.
• 1999–2000: Preliminary construction began but halted due to disputes over cost sharing and water allocation between Punjab and J&K.
• 2018: A landmark agreement was signed between the two states under the mediation of the central government, resolving financial and technical disputes.
• December 2018: The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the Shahpurkandi Dam Project, designating it as a National Project with shared funding.
• 2023–2024: Construction neared completion, with reservoir filling and operational testing of power units in progress.

Funding and Management

• The total estimated cost of the project is ₹2,793 crore (revised estimates).
• The Central Government provides funding for the irrigation component, while Punjab oversees execution through its Water Resources Department and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for the hydropower component.
• The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) provide technical oversight and regulatory support.

Benefits

1. Irrigation Benefits:
   • Enables assured irrigation in the border districts of Punjab and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
   • Enhances agricultural productivity through regulated water supply for crops.
2. Power Generation:
   • Provides 206 MW of renewable hydroelectric power, meeting regional energy needs and contributing to the state’s power grid.
   • Reduces dependency on thermal power sources, aligning with India’s clean energy goals.
3. Water Resource Utilisation:
   • Prevents wastage of Indian share of Ravi waters, strengthening India’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
   • Ensures optimum management of water through coordination between upstream and downstream reservoirs (Ranjit Sagar and Madhopur).
4. Socio-economic Development:
   • Creates employment during construction and operational phases.
   • Boosts rural development and infrastructure in border areas.

Strategic and Environmental Significance

• The dam holds strategic importance, as the unregulated flow of Ravi waters previously entered Pakistan unused. The project allows India to exercise its treaty rights and strengthen its water sovereignty.
• Environmentally, the project promotes sustainable energy generation and efficient water use, though careful ecological management is necessary to minimise impacts on downstream ecosystems.
• The government has undertaken compensatory afforestation and rehabilitation programmes to address environmental and social concerns.

Challenges in Implementation

• Inter-state Dispute: Differences between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir delayed progress for over two decades.
• Funding Delays: Revisions in cost and funding patterns required central intervention.
• Technical and Environmental Clearances: The project underwent rigorous reviews to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Being close to the international border, the project required careful security and treaty compliance considerations.

Present Status

As of recent updates, the civil works, dam structure, and powerhouse units are largely complete. Water impoundment and system testing are in advanced stages, with full commissioning expected soon. Once operational, the project will allow India to fully utilise its entitled share of Ravi waters and strengthen Punjab’s irrigation and energy infrastructure.