Union Cabinet approves implementation of Shahpurkandi Dam

Why in News?

  • Union Cabinet has approved implementation of Shahpurkandi Dam Project on river Ravi in Punjab.
  •  The project will be implemented by Punjab Government with central assistance of Rs. 485.38 crore (for irrigation component) over a five years period from 2019 to 2023.
  •  It will be completed by June 2022.
  • Funding for central assistance will be made through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under the existing system for funding of 99 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) projects under Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF).

Significance of this Project:

  • ShahpurKandi Dam project was proposed on River Ravi.
  •  This project will help minimizing some of water of River Ravi which at present is going waste through Madhopur Headworks downstream to Pakistan.
  •  It will create an irrigation potential of 5,000 hectares in Punjab and 32,173 hectares in Jammu & Kashmir on completion.
  • Besides, Punjab will be able to generate 206 MW of hydropower.

Indus Waters Treaty:

  •  Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 for sharing of Indus waters.
  •  According to this treaty, India got the full rights for utilization of waters of three eastern rivers namely Ravi, Beas and Satluj.
  •  Bilateral agreement was signed between Punjab and J&K in January 1979 for construction of RanjitSagar Dam (Thein Dam) and Shahpurkandi Dam by Punjab Government.
  •  RanjitSagar Dam was commissioned in August 2000.
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