New canal infrastructure aims to boost irrigation and hydropower capacity following Pahalgam attack response
New Delhi, May 17—In the wake of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Indian government is exploring plans to significantly expand the Ranbir canal on the Chenab river, officials said on Friday. The government aims to fully utilize its share of river water for irrigation and power generation.A senior government official stated that India had used limited volumes of Chenab waters, primarily for agricultural purposes. However, the suspension of the IWT has opened the door to enhanced use, particularly for meeting growing energy demands through hydropower.
Ranbir Canal Extension and Hydropower Development
The centerpiece of this new initiative involves extending the length of the Ranbir canal to 120 kilometers. Authorities emphasize the urgency of fast-tracking infrastructure development. "All stakeholders have been urged to expedite the process," an official noted.Simultaneously, India is working on a broader plan to ramp up hydropower output on rivers that were earlier subject to treaty constraints. The current hydropower capacity of these rivers is around 3,000 megawatts, and a detailed feasibility study is underway to explore expansion options.
Desilting Underway in Multiple Canals
As part of the broader water resource optimization strategy, desilting operations have commenced on key canals, including Kathua, Ravi, and Paragwal, to improve water flow and usage efficiency.Indus Waters Treaty Suspension and Strategic Shift
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has historically governed water sharing between India and Pakistan. The river system comprises:- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
The suspension marks a pivotal shift in India's water and energy strategy. Long-term plans now focus on maximizing the domestic utility of its river resources.
