Ravi River holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of Bharat (India). Esteemed ancient texts such as Vedas highlight its sanctity in Hindu and Sikh traditions. The riverbanks are adorned with numerous pilgrimage sites and historic towns. A pivotal decision on water allocation was marked with completion of Shahpur Kandi Barrage, located on Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir borders, on the Ravi River.
As of February 25, 2024, flow of water to Pakistan has been halted. This strategic move stems from an agreement signed in 1979 between the States of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The agreement aimed at constructing the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Barrage downstream to utilize the river’s water resources effectively and restrict flow to Pakistan.
Foundation stone for the dam was laid in 1982, envisioning Bharat’s utilisation of river’s waters as per terms of 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. However, it is today, both Punjab and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir reap benefits of Ravi’s waters, primarily for irrigation, thereby supporting farmers in Bharat in their agricultural endeavors.
(Author Vivek Raina is Manager Outreach & Dissemination at CIHS)
CIHS - Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies 