Context:

• The Shahpur-Kandi Dam, located on the Ravi River at the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, is a significant infrastructure project that has been in development for nearly three decades.

Key Points:

• Officially completed in February 2024, the dam is anticipated to provide substantial benefits in terms of irrigation and hydroelectric power generation to four districts across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
• This strategic project is also pivotal in the context of India-Pakistan relations, particularly concerning water resource management under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Development of the Project:

• The foundation stone for the Shahpur-Kandi Dam was laid in 1995, but progress was hindered by disputes between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as funding issues.
• The project was declared a national priority in 2008, with the central government committing significant financial support to facilitate its completion. After years of negotiations and political maneuvering, work resumed in 2018 following an agreement between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, allowing for a collaborative approach to utilize the Ravi River's resources effectively.

Key features of the Dam

• The Dam is 55.5 meters high
• Hydropower Capacity: Two powerhouses with a total installed capacity of 206 MW
• Irrigation potential: Expected to irrigate approximately 37,173 hectares—32,173 hectares in J&K and around 5,000 hectares in Punjab.

Potential Benefits

Agricultural enhancement

The Shahpur-Kandi Dam is set to transform agricultural practices in both J&K and Punjab:

• Increased irrigation: The dam will allow for gravity-fed irrigation systems, replacing the more labor-intensive lift techniques previously used. This change is expected to enhance water efficiency significantly.
• Expansion of Arable Land: The project will enable farmers to cultivate an additional 91,856 acres of farmland across both regions, thereby improving food security and rural livelihoods.

Hydropower Generation

The dam's hydroelectric power generation capabilities will contribute to India's energy grid:

• Power supply: The facility will generate 206 MW of electricity, with Punjab receiving a substantial share of this power. This will help address the region's energy deficits and support local development initiatives.

Economic Development

• The construction and operation of the dam are expected to stimulate local economies through job creation and improved agricultural productivity. The enhanced irrigation infrastructure will support farmers in adopting modern agricultural practices, potentially leading to increased crop yields and income levels.