The new construction located on the Punjab-Jammu border will become operational by the end of next month.
While the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty has accelerated work on new projects in Jammu and Kashmir, the surplus water of the Ravi River that currently flows into Pakistan is expected to reduce after the soon-to-be-completed Shahpurkandi Dam diverts these surplus flows.
The new construction located on the Punjab-Jammu border will become operational by the end of next month.
Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said on Monday that the dam is expected to be completed by March 31. Once operational, it will channel excess water from the Ravi for irrigation instead of downstream across the border.
Officials said the project will irrigate large portions of agricultural land in Punjab as well as Jammu region, especially Kathua district and parts of Samba district, thereby providing relief to drought-hit areas and expanding the area under cultivation.
There has been a renewed emphasis on river projects following India’s decision to suspend the treaty following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military action against Pakistan. Since then, the government has accelerated progress on pending hydropower projects along the Chenab Basin.
Last month, Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar paid a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and inspected major hydropower sites in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. The visit came after the Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted environmental clearance to the 260-MW Dulhasti Stage-II project, one of the three major Chenab Basin schemes now being taken forward simultaneously. The other two are the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project and Sawalkot.
talking to business LineBani MLA Rameshwar Singh said that the surplus water of Ravi earlier used to go to Pakistan via Punjab but now it will be used productively.
He said that the dam will significantly boost irrigation in Kathua district, which will benefit areas like Kathua, Billawar, Basohli and Hiranagar and improve agricultural production in dozens of villages.
“This water will protect the kharif crops which are affected due to water shortage during the summer months,” Singh said.
Published on February 17, 2026
