NEW DELHI (Feb 18, 2026) — India is set to stop the flow of surplus Ravi River water into Pakistan as the Shahpur Kandi Dam reaches its final stages. J&K Minister Javed Ahmed Rana confirmed the project will be operational by March 31, prioritizing Indian agriculture over downstream flows.

Project Impact

• Drought Relief: Water will be diverted to irrigate over 37,000 hectares across Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab, specifically targeting the drought-hit Kathua and Samba districts.
• Strategic Shift: The move follows India’s 2025 decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, linking water sharing to Pakistan’s actions on terrorism.
• Full Utilization: As an "Eastern River," India holds exclusive rights to the Ravi; the new dam ensures no surplus water "wastes" away into Pakistan.