Major Water Strategy Shift: India Approves Rs 2,600-Crore Tunnel Projects Amid Pakistan Tensions

New Delhi: Amidst the changed situation regarding the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, India has now taken a big step towards maximum utilization of the water of western rivers. The central government has expedited work on two big projects related to the Chenab river system, the total cost of which is said to be around Rs 2600 crore. These projects include the Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel to be built in Himachal Pradesh and a special tunnel project connected to the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir. The objective of these plans is to make maximum use of those water resources, a large part of which has till now been flowing towards Pakistan.

What is Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel Project?

The largest part of the project is the Rs 2352 crore Chenab-Beas Link Scheme. Under this, about 8.7 km long tunnel will be built, through which the water of Chandra River of Chenab Basin will be diverted towards the Beas River system. In the first phase of the plan, a 19 meter high barrage is also proposed in Lahaul Valley. Officials believe that this will bring a big change in water management and water use efficiency.

Why is a new tunnel being built in Salal Dam?

The second project is related to Salal Hydroelectric Project located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. A diversion-cum-sediment bypass tunnel will be built here at a cost of approximately Rs 268 crore. The water storage capacity of the dam has reduced significantly due to silt accumulated over the years. There is a plan to remove silt and increase the capacity of the reservoir through a new tunnel.

What is its relation with Indus Water Treaty?

Under the Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, the use of Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers came to India's share, while Pakistan got the rights to use most of the water of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers. However, India was allowed limited levels of hydropower and other non-consumptive uses on the western rivers. In recent years, India has increased its emphasis on the strategy of making maximum use of its rights on these rivers.

Will Pakistan be affected?

Experts believe that the objective of these projects is not to stop water immediately, but to develop the capacity for better use of water resources in the long run. Direct large-scale impacts on the flow of the Chenab will not be immediately visible but may strengthen India's capacity for water management, storage and flow control in the future. This is the reason why these projects are also being looked at from a strategic perspective.

Will electricity and water capacity increase?

According to reports, work on several hydropower projects related to Chenab Basin is also going on at a fast pace. The government believes that better utilization of western rivers will strengthen hydropower production, irrigation and water security. Besides, the expansion of infrastructure in the Himalayan regions will also get a boost.

Why are these projects in discussion?

These two projects are not only being seen as engineering or water management plans but are also being considered as a sign of India's changed water policy. These plans have also attracted international attention amid strained relations with Pakistan and the growing strategic importance of water resources. At present the priority of the government is to ensure maximum utilization of the available water of western rivers.