In a retaliatory move following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has halted the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and has now completed a study for the construction of a 113-kilometer canal from Kashmir. This canal will divert the Indus River waters to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The government aims to complete this project by 2029 and gift the water to these states.
Pakistan is already complaining loudly about the cancellation of the treaty. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written letters to our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. However, our government has made it clear that it will not back down from its decision. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the canal to supply water to the northern states of India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that this will prevent excess water from flowing into Pakistan.
Kashmir to Rajasthan Canal
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1968. India has decided to build this canal to fully utilize its share of the Indus waters. The government has decided to construct the canal to carry the waters of the Indus and its tributaries as far as Ganganagar in Rajasthan. This water will be used for the irrigation and drinking water needs of these three states. The plan includes connecting this new canal with existing canals and tunnels. To control the additional flow of water from the Indus River to Pakistan, a barrage will be built on the Ravi River to divert the water to the Beas River. A large sub-aquatic project will be undertaken for this purpose. Measures have also been taken to clean and store water in the hydro projects on the Chenab River.
Pakistan has objected to India's use of the surplus Indus waters, expressing concern that several areas in their country will turn into a desert. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that India has the right to use its own water. He stated that in the past, river waters from India flowed to other (neighbouring) countries, but now it has been decided to divert them to drought-prone areas within our own country.
No Intention to Harm Anyone: Modi Clarity
In an interview, Modi mentioned that according to the 1960 treaty between the two countries, India has the right to use the surplus water from this river. However, only a portion of that water has been used so far. The decision was made to send this water to the drought-stricken regions of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Although this decision was retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, the main goal of the central government's canal construction project is to provide water to drought-affected areas in our country. The Prime Minister has made it clear that there is no intention to harm anyone.
Pakistan is making a huge fuss about the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty and has filed complaints against our country with several nations. However, Foreign Minister Jaishankar has stated in Parliament that India took this decision because Pakistan is promoting cross-border terrorism. India believes that if the Indus treaty is cancelled, Pakistan will be forced to change its ways.
Pakistan, however, has not stopped its slander against our country. India has succeeded in making the world aware that Pakistan is a country that promotes terrorism. Countries that previously maintained relations with Pakistan are now reconsidering. India has ensured that the international community recognizes Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
It is likely that Pakistan will create a ruckus over India's latest decision as well. However, since the decision is to use the surplus water that has not been utilized until now, there is nothing wrong with India using its own water, no matter how much Pakistan complains.
The massive changes to the Indus River system will provide irrigation and drinking water to 300 million Indians. Water supply to Pakistan will be permanently cut off, which will have a huge impact on them. The exchange of data on water conditions with Pakistan will also be stopped. Haryana and Delhi are already facing a water shortage. By using the Indus waters, this situation will no longer arise.
