Indus Water Treaty suspension: Centre to revive Tulbul hydel project, says Khattar

By Admin

13 Jun, 2025

The recent suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has triggered a significant policy shift in India’s water and energy strategy. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, during a press conference in Srinagar, announced the revival of the long-pending Tulbul hydel project on Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir   a move made possible by the suspension of the decades-old treaty.

A Strategic Shift in Hydropower Policy

Minister Khattar firmly stated that with the IWT now in abeyance, India is no longer obligated to seek Pakistan’s approval for water projects in Jammu and Kashmir. “Before, whenever we had to undertake some work, we had to discuss that with them (Pakistan) and could not do anything without their consent,” Khattar explained. “Now, when there is no need (for consent), we will restart the project and a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared soon.”

This statement marks a strategic pivot, especially considering the Tulbul project was originally conceived in 1981 but shelved in 1987 after Pakistan raised strong objections under the provisions of the IWT.

What Is the Tulbul Project?

The Tulbul Navigation Lock Project, located below Wular Lake near Ningli in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, envisages the construction of a 439-ft-long and 40-ft-wide barrage. It was designed with a storage capacity of 0.3 million-acre-feet (MAF) to regulate water flow in the Jhelum River and stabilize its level for year-round navigation and hydro-electricity generation. The project had immense potential but was indefinitely stalled due to diplomatic hurdles.

India to Push Ahead with New Hydel Projects

The minister also made it clear that the Centre is keen on pursuing new hydro-electric initiatives following the IWT suspension. “Yes, definitely. Whatever they have to do, let them do that. We have given them a response and if they do anything again, they will get a response on the same pattern,” Khattar said, signaling India’s intent to take assertive steps in regional water management and infrastructure.

J&K’s Role and Expectations

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed the sentiment and revealed that discussions are underway with the Centre to resume previously stalled development projects. “After the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, we have two projects on which work can start soon   one is in Kashmir and the other is in Jammu,” he confirmed.

Following a meeting with Minister Khattar at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Omar expressed optimism about the Centre’s cooperation on centrally sponsored schemes under the ministries of power and urban development.

Tackling Power Sector Challenges

Despite the progress, the Chief Minister acknowledged ongoing financial challenges in the power sector. He noted that power is supplied at concessional rates across all sectors   domestic, commercial, and industrial   resulting in continued losses. “But it will get better gradually,” he assured, hinting at long-term reforms and financial stabilization.

A New Era for Hydropower and Regional Development

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty appears to be a watershed moment in India’s approach to water resource development. By reviving the Tulbul project and paving the way for new hydropower ventures, the Centre aims to bolster infrastructure, ensure energy security, and reclaim strategic autonomy over its rivers.

As diplomatic dynamics shift, India is poised to harness its hydro-electric potential more decisively than ever before.