India completely stops Ravi river water flow to Pakistan. Historical context and significance

• The completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage has effectively ceased the flow of water from the Ravi river into Pakistan, according to a report.

Shahpur Kandi Dam Project

• It is located on the Ravi River in Pathankot district, Punjab, downstream from the existing Ranjit Sagar Dam.
• The water released by Ranjit Sagar Dam is utilized for generating power from this project.
• The main purpose behind the construction of this dam is power generation and irrigation in Punjab and J&K States.
• It is constructed by the irrigation department of the Government of Punjab.
• The project consists of a 55.5 m high concrete gravity dam, a 7.70 km long hydel channel, two head regulators, and two powerhouses.
• The total output capacity of the project is 206 MW.

Indus Waters Treaty

• India and Pakistan signed the IWT in September, 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory to the pact.
• The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the water of the Indus River and its five tributaries Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab.

Prelims Takeaway

• IWT
• Ravi river