The Shahpur Kandi Barrage is a vital infrastructure project situated on the border between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, India. This barrage is primarily designed for irrigation and hydropower generation, significantly impacting water management in the region.
The completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage has enabled the diversion of 1,150 cusecs of water from the Ravi River, which previously flowed into Pakistan. This water is now utilized for irrigation purposes in Jammu & Kashmir, in accordance with the rights provided under the Indus Water Treaty.
This barrage is crucial for enhancing the utilization of the waters of the Ravi River within Indian territory. It supports irrigation across over 32,000 hectares in the Kathua and Samba districts, while also holding potential for hydropower generation.
Under the Indus Water Treaty established in 1960, India possesses exclusive rights to the waters of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers. The Shahpur Kandi Barrage project enables India to fully harness the waters of the Ravi, which were previously underutilized and flowing into Pakistan.
The barrage is anticipated to deliver significant agricultural benefits through improved irrigation, enhance water security, and drive economic growth in the region. Additionally, it has the potential to contribute to hydropower generation, further supporting energy needs.
An agreement to resume work on the Shahpur Kandi Barrage was signed on September 8, 2018, between Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, effectively ending a 40-year stall in the project's progress.
The Shahpur Kandi Barrage project encountered various challenges, including inter-state disputes, environmental concerns, and funding issues. These factors contributed to the suspension of the project for over four decades before work finally resumed.
Although the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage halts a portion of the Ravi River's waters flowing to Pakistan, this action is within the rights established by the Indus Water Treaty, emphasizing India's focus on utilizing its share of river waters.
India is committed to further developing infrastructure projects like the Shahpur Kandi Barrage to optimize its share of water from the eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas) for various purposes, including irrigation, drinking, and power generation.
Q1. What are the main purposes of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage?
Answer: The Shahpur Kandi Barrage serves primarily for irrigation and hydropower generation, significantly aiding agricultural productivity and water management in the region.
Q2. How does the Shahpur Kandi Barrage affect agricultural productivity?
Answer: The barrage enhances agricultural productivity by providing irrigation to over 32,000 hectares, facilitating better crop yields and water security in the region.
Q3. What agreement was signed to revive the Shahpur Kandi Barrage project?
Answer: An agreement was signed on September 8, 2018, between Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab to resume work on the Shahpur Kandi Barrage, ending a 40-year halt in progress.
Q4. What challenges did the Shahpur Kandi Barrage face during its development?
Answer: The project faced challenges such as inter-state disputes, environmental concerns, and funding issues, leading to its suspension for several decades before it resumed.
Q5. What is the long-term vision for river water management in India?
Answer: India aims to develop infrastructure like the Shahpur Kandi Barrage to fully harness its share of water from the eastern rivers for sustainable irrigation, drinking, and energy needs.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage?
A) Flood control
B) Irrigation and hydropower generation
C) Water supply for cities
D) Tourism development
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When was the agreement to resume work on the Shahpur Kandi Barrage signed?
A) September 8, 2018
B) January 1, 2020
C) March 15, 2016
D) August 5, 2021
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: Which river's waters does the Shahpur Kandi Barrage utilize?
A) Ganges
B) Yamuna
C) Ravi
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What treaty governs the water rights relevant to the Shahpur Kandi Barrage?
A) Indus Water Treaty
B) Ganga Water Treaty
C) Brahmaputra Water Agreement
D) National Water Policy
Correct Answer: A
Kutos : AI Assistant!
