Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly opposed a proposed 113-kilometre canal project aimed at diverting surplus water from the Indus river system in J&K to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The proposed inter-state canal seeks to channel excess water from the three western rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus—flowing through Jammu and Kashmir, as part of an initiative to support water-scarce regions in neighbouring states. However, the move has triggered backlash from J&K leadership, particularly in light of prevailing water stress within the Union Territory.
“There is a drought-like situation in Jammu. Why should I send water to Punjab?” Omar Abdullah questioned during a media interaction. “Punjab already has water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they give us water when we needed it?”
Abdullah said he would not allow the project to proceed, stressing that the needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be prioritised. “Let us use our water for ourselves first,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect rising tensions around regional water rights, especially as climate change intensifies water scarcity across North India. His statement is expected to reignite debate over the implementation of the Indus Water Treaty and the equitable distribution of water resources among Indian states.
The Union government has not yet responded officially to the concerns raised by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.(DD)