Srinagar, July 22, 2025 : In the wake of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed calls for the Centre’s approval of two critical water infrastructure projects: the Tulbul Navigation Project in north Kashmir and a Chenab water-lifting scheme to address water scarcity in Jammu.
Abdullah, a long-standing critic of the 1960 treaty, called the agreement “the most unfair document ever imposed” on the people of J&K. He argued that the IWT denied the region the right to store water and forced reliance on run-of-the-river hydroelectric schemes.
“We can’t suddenly build dams or store water. But we can focus on medium-term projects that start delivering benefits soon,” Abdullah said in an interview.
Tulbul Navigation Project (Wullar Barrage)
The Chief Minister strongly advocated for the revival of the long-pending Tulbul Navigation Barrage, suspended since 1987 due to Pakistan’s objections. The project, located near Sopore on the Jhelum River, is designed to regulate water flow, enabling year-round navigation and boosting winter power generation from downstream projects like Lower Jhelum and Uri.
He emphasized the project’s dual benefits—enhanced electricity generation and flood control, particularly during the monsoon. India maintains the project falls under non-consumptive use and does not violate the treaty. Despite India’s efforts, Pakistan refused to engage on the issue in five Permanent Indus Commission meetings from 2017 to 2022.
Chenab Water-Lifting Scheme for Jammu
The second project focuses on lifting water from the Chenab River near Akhnoor to address the worsening drinking water crisis in Jammu city, which currently relies on the Tawi River. Abdullah said the Chenab scheme could serve the city’s water needs for “the next two to three decades.”
The J&K government has proposed engaging an international funding agency to finance the project, which aims to supply clean water across the growing Jammu district.
Abdullah confirmed that discussions with the Centre are already underway and revealed that a senior advisor to the Prime Minister had recently visited the region to assess both projects.
“The advisor’s visit indicates the Centre’s serious consideration. We are hopeful of a green signal soon,” the Chief Minister said.
Both projects, he added, represent practical and timely steps in light of India’s decision to pause the IWT and reevaluate its terms with Pakistan, especially after recurring cross-border terror attacks.
