Indus water diversion plan set to trigger political row

Politics over water is set to intensify as the Central government pushes forward with its proposed plan to divert water from Indus river systems through a 113-km canal to other states.

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A feasibility survey is currently underway to assess how the waters of the rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) can be diverted to Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of the country. The IWT has been put in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, giving the Centre an opportunity to utilise these waters domestically.

However, the proposed project has sparked sharp opposition in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently asserted that he would not permit any project that deprives the Jammu region of its water resources. He argued that Jammu is already grappling with drought-like conditions, and diverting water through the canal system would further exacerbate the crisis.

As per the proposal, water from the Chenab River would be linked to the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system. Additionally, the waters of the Indus and Jhelum rivers would also be rerouted through the planned canals.

“Punjab already has rivers under the IWT. Did they give us water when we needed it? We required water from the Ujh and Shahpur Kandi projects… we had to fight for years to get water from Shahpur Kandi. Now, the water (from our rivers) is for us and we will think about others later,” Omar had stated. Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has a stronghold in Jammu, has so far remained silent on the issue, likely due to political sensitivities, as the Central government is led by the party. Omar’s firm stance has, however, found appreciation among social circles in Jammu, where water shortages are frequent, especially during the summer.

The 113-km-long canal system is designed to divert surplus waters from Jammu’s rivers that would otherwise flow into Pakistan. If completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce the volume of water reaching Pakistan.

Omar’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from neighbouring Punjab. The Punjab unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister could not make a unilateral decision on water-sharing, emphasising that it is the Centre’s responsibility to proportionately allocate water and ensure Punjab receives its due share.

While the BJP remains tight-lipped for now, the party may be compelled to engage if construction of the canal begins, as the issue is expected to escalate politically. A face-off between the BJP, the National Conference (NC), and AAP seems likely if the project moves forward.

Observers also see Omar Abdullah’s strong opposition to the project as a strategic move to consolidate his party’s presence in Hindu-majority Jammu, where the BJP secured 29 seats in the last Assembly elections.

Water scarcity in Jammu has worsened over the years due to unchecked urban expansion. In several parts of the city, water is supplied only three times a week, prompting public protests against the Jal Shakti department.

Following the suspension of the IWT, attention has also turned to the Baglihar Dam in Ramban and the Salal Dam in Reasi—both built on the Chenab River in Jammu region. Water flow from these dams to Pakistan has since been restricted, triggering strong protests in the neighboring country. Former chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has described the suspension of the treaty as unfortunate.