India's Strategic Indus River Project: Transforming Water Management Before 2029 Elections

India is preparing for significant modifications to the Indus River system to address water needs in northern states. Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, the government aims to complete this strategic project before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

At a recent review meeting led by senior ministers, it was revealed that a detailed project report (DPR) is being developed for a 14-km tunnel to connect the Indus River with the Beas River, both components of the Indus system, according to informed sources.

L&T, a multinational construction company, has been commissioned to prepare this project report, expected to be completed next year.

The meeting also examined progress on a proposed 113-km canal designed to deliver Indus water to northern states, sources indicated.

The Indus Water Treaty, a significant water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, was established in 1960 with World Bank mediation. India suspended this treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with the government declaring that "water and blood can't flow together".

Since then, the government has been developing comprehensive plans to utilize India's portion of the Indus water. An ambitious initiative under the Inter-Basin Indus Water Transfer Scheme has been conceived and is being overseen at the highest governmental levels.

Sources indicate that constructing the 14-km tunnel presents the most significant challenge. This tunnel requires extensive mountain rock analysis, and where weaker formations exist, pipes will be used. Construction will commence after the government receives the DPR.

Tunnel boring machines and rock shield technology have been suggested to enhance speed and safety. The tunnel will also connect to the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, facilitating water transfer from the Ujh River (a Ravi tributary) to the Beas Basin.

This tunnel's completion will link the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system with the Indus Basin, allowing India to maximize its water share utilization. Sources estimate a three to four-year construction period, with completion expected by 2028 at an approximate cost of Rs 4,000-5,000 crore.

During Friday's meeting, it was announced that the tunnel construction would proceed in separate sections.

The project intends to enhance irrigation capacity in Rajasthan's arid regions by diverting water to the Indira Gandhi Canal. Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab will also benefit. A canal will be constructed to connect the Chenab River with the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system, linking to these states' existing canal networks to deliver water directly to the Indira Gandhi Canal and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Additionally, the project will improve drinking water availability in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

This initiative will prevent excess water from India's share flowing to Pakistan, thereby strengthening national water security and reinforcing the government's position that "water and blood can't flow together". It will also help address climate change impacts and changing rainfall patterns, while enhancing the existing 13 canal systems.

Plans also include extending the Ranbir Canal in Jammu from 60 to 120 km.