Wular Barrage Project: India Plans to Restart Key Water Project After Operation Sindoor

Jammu and Kashmir: Preparations are in full swing to restart the Wular Barrage Project (also known as Tulbul Navigation Project) in Jammu and Kashmir. This project was stuck for years, but now after suspending the Indus Water Treaty, the government is moving ahead. Notably, after the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025 (in which 26 people were killed), India abandoned the treaty, and since then, incidents like “Operation Sindoor” (strikes on terror camps in Pakistan in May 2025) have further increased tensions. Now CM Omar Abdullah himself has said in the Assembly that this project in collaboration with the Central Government and the project to lift water from Chenab to Jammu will start soon.

What is the main objective of this project?

The function of Wular Barrage is to store the water of Jhelum River and control its flow. With this, the water level of Wular Lake will remain good throughout the year, navigation (boating) will be easy, and water can be used at the time of need. Earlier it was stopped due to the Indus Water Treaty over the objection of Pakistan (started in 1984, but stopped in 1987-89). Now due to the suspension of the treaty, India does not need Pakistan's permission, so it is moving ahead.

What preparations are the central and state governments making?

Jammu and Kashmir government is working closely with the Central government. CM Omar Abdullah told the assembly on February 10 that work on both the Tulbul and Chenab projects is underway, and will start soon. Officials are saying that coordination is taking place and construction will resume briefly. This project is in Sopore-Ningli area near Wular Lake, and has been lying incomplete for years.

What will be the benefit to the local people?

Hundreds of families survive by fishing, boating and traditional activities around Wular Lake. Due to less water in the lake, their earnings are adversely affected. With the start of the project, water storage will increase, lake level will improve, navigation will operate throughout the year – meaning fishing, tourism and transportation will improve. Local people are hopeful that this will strengthen their livelihood.

Will India-Pakistan relations be affected?

Pakistan is already worried – saying that this would amount to water blocking, which could lead to drought, floods or canal disruption in their areas. India made it clear that this project is for local water management and needs, and not to harm Pakistan. After the treaty is suspended, India can now take more control over the western rivers (Jhelum, Chenab, Indus). In the coming days, this may prove to be a big step for regional water control and economy, but tension will definitely increase.