Length from 60 to 120 Kms; Flow from 40 to 150 cusec; To extend irrigation to Kandi belts of Samba, Kathua
By Sahil Verma
Jammu Tawi: In a significant move with major strategic and geopolitical implications, India is considering doubling the length of the Ranbir Canal from 60 kilometers to 120 kilometers. The canal, which originates from the Chenab River—a key component of the now-suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—could become a crucial lever in India’s efforts to assert control over the western river waters that flow into Pakistan.
The proposal is part of India’s larger response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 Hindu tourists by Pakistan sponsored terrorists. Following the attack, India suspended its participation in the IWT for the first time since the treaty’s signing in 1960. The move signals a broader strategy to debunk Pakistan’s blackmailing under this most controversial and discriminatory Treaty that has been creating frequent hurdles in India’s effort for genuine hydrological resources despite being an upper riparian position.
Strategic Expansion for Local & National Impact
The Ranbir Canal, constructed in 1903 during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh, has long been a lifeline for the Jammu region’s agriculture, particularly in areas such as Marh, Ranbir Singh Pura, Suchetgarh, Bishnah, and parts of Samba district. These areas are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Basmati rice. The canal currently irrigates over 38,600 hectares through a 400 km distribution network.
The expansion plan aims to extend the canal’s reach and increase its water-carrying capacity—from the current 40 cubic meters per second (1,400 cusecs) to as much as 150 cubic meters per second. If executed, this would allow more water to be diverted for irrigation in Jammu and the semi-arid Kandi belt regions of Samba and Kathua districts, greatly benefiting local farmers.
A senior official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said that while the canal currently operates at full capacity, there is scope for expansion. “We have the land and technical capability. The government could either construct a parallel canal or install large-diameter pipelines to augment flow without disrupting current operations,” the official said.
Implications for Pakistan
The Chenab is one of three western rivers (along with the Indus and Jehlum) allocated to Pakistan under the IWT. Any significant diversion of its waters upstream in India could severely impact Pakistan’s Punjab province, which accounts for nearly 68 per cent of the country’s food grain production.
Given that about 80 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the Indus river system, any reduction in flow could cripple crop production, affect hydropower generation, and create long-term water security challenges. Analysts say the proposed canal expansion is not just about irrigation—it’s a strategic tool in India’s geopolitical arsenal.
Background: The Indus Waters Treaty
Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocated the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan. India retained limited rights to use the western rivers for irrigation and non-consumptive purposes, including hydropower.
However, following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to suspend the treaty. Since then, India has initiated steps to expand its infrastructural footprint over the Indus system.
Geopolitical Dimensions
The proposed doubling of the Ranbir Canal fits into a larger strategy of water diplomacy and deterrence. Experts believe such actions could mark a shift in India’s long-held approach of exercising restraint under the IWT framework and Pakistan’s pressure.
While canal construction and related infrastructure will take time to complete, India has already begun leveraging its upstream advantage by controlling dam releases and flushing work of reservoirs. These initial moves have reportedly lowered water levels at critical junctures in Pakistan, a trend that could accelerate if projects like the Ranbir Canal expansion go forward.
