India is moving towards reviving the Tulbul Navigation Project, which has remained stalled for decades, as part of a larger plan to maximise the use of its share of water from the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This move comes after the government placed the treaty “under abeyance” following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
Detailed Project Report in Progress
According to top government sources, a detailed project report (DPR) for the Tulbul project is currently in preparation and is expected to take about a year. Only after the DPR is completed will a final decision on the project be taken.
Optimising Water Use from Chenab and Jhelum
India has limited storage rights on the western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum—that mostly flow into Pakistan. However, officials suggest there is now a push to increase India’s usage within treaty limits, especially by improving reservoir and dam management to better control monsoon and dry season water flow.
Water Diversion to Punjab and Haryana?
“There’s potential to divert water from one of the western rivers to Punjab and Haryana,” said an official, clarifying that the Indus itself is not under consideration for diversion.
Storage Limitations and Sediment Challenges
Due to constraints in water storage—especially during monsoons—India has been forced to flush dams frequently, impacting sediment control and overall water management. The current focus is on enhancing storage duration and efficiency.
Hydropower Projects in Fast Lane
While the Kishanganga project is already completed, the construction of the Ratle hydropower project has been fast-tracked, reflecting India’s broader goal to strengthen water infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir.
With a renewed strategy and long-term planning, India is looking to assert its water rights more effectively while addressing past challenges in storage, usage, and treaty interpretation.
