Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Opposes Water Diversion to Punjab
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced strong opposition to a proposal that would divert surplus water from the Indus River system to Punjab. He emphasized the importance of utilizing local water resources first, especially in light of the ongoing drought affecting the region. Abdullah's remarks come after the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, highlighting the need for Jammu and Kashmir to prioritize its own water needs before considering external requests. He also announced plans to resume work on the Tulbul Navigation Project to better manage local water resources.
| Jun 21, 2025, 14:02 IST
Chief Minister's Stance on Water Management
Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed strong opposition to a proposal that suggests diverting surplus water from the Indus River system to Punjab following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. Abdullah firmly stated, "No one will take our water. I will not allow it. First, we will use our water, and then we can discuss others." His comments were made in response to a question regarding a proposed 113-kilometer canal aimed at redirecting excess water from the three western rivers of the Indus system—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—into Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Concerns Over Water Scarcity
Abdullah highlighted the ongoing drought in Jammu, where water taps are running dry. He questioned, "Why should I send water to Punjab, which already receives water from three eastern rivers under the IWT? Did Punjab ever provide us with water?" He recalled that Jammu and Kashmir had been struggling for water when the multipurpose project and Shahpur Kandi dam were initiated, stating, "They made us cry for so many years. After much struggle, some work has finally begun on the Shahpur Kandi dam."
Future Plans for Water Utilization
Abdullah reiterated that they will not release water to Punjab, asserting, "This water is for us right now, and we will use it for ourselves before making decisions about others." When asked how Jammu and Kashmir plans to utilize the surplus water from the western rivers, he announced, "We will resume work on the Tulbul Navigation Project in North Kashmir and redirect Chenab River water from Akhnoor towards Jammu." The Wular Barrage project is a navigation lock-cum-control structure located at the outlet of Wular Lake in North Kashmir, designed to facilitate navigation on the Jhelum River during the winter months.