Tulbul Navigation Project revival gains momentum amid India’s drive to optimize water use from western rivers
by Utsav RoyGovernment authorities are advancing plans to restart the long-delayed Tulbul Navigation Project as part of a wider strategy aimed at maximizing India’s allocation of water from western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), according to senior officials. A comprehensive project report is currently under preparation, with completion anticipated within approximately one year.
A senior official confirmed that decision-making will commence only after the detailed report is finalized, adding that discussions to revive the project are already at an advanced stage. This initiative follows a period of reassessment triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the treaty being placed “under abeyance” and prompted India to review its water-sharing agreements with Pakistan.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India holds restricted rights to use water from western rivers — specifically, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum — which predominantly flow into Pakistani territory. However, officials revealed that several proposals are being examined to enhance India’s utilization of its entitled share from these rivers.
One official mentioned there is potential to divert water from one of the western rivers, excluding the Indus itself, to the states of Punjab and Haryana. The official emphasized that diversion of the Indus River is not being considered at this time.
India faces significant challenges with limited water storage capacity, particularly during the monsoon season. “During rainy periods, our storage capabilities are reduced, whereas in the dry season, we can retain some water, especially on the Chenab River,” the official explained. Unfortunately, any surplus water that cannot be stored tends to flow downstream into Pakistan.
This limited capacity to store water beyond 24 to 48 hours has previously compelled India to perform “flushing operations” on its dams to manage sediment accumulation. “We would fill reservoirs and then release water to clear sediment buildup. However, treaty restrictions on flooding complicated sediment management,” the official said. “Currently, we are adopting improved dam and reservoir management practices to address these issues more effectively.”
Meanwhile, the Kishanganga hydropower project, which was previously contested by Pakistan, has been successfully completed. Construction work on the Ratle hydropower project has also been accelerated, reflecting India’s ongoing efforts to enhance water resource management and energy production in the region.
These developments reflect India’s broader commitment to optimizing water use from western rivers while navigating treaty constraints and regional geopolitical challenges. Authorities remain focused on ensuring better infrastructure, increased storage capacity, and strategic water management to make the most of available resources under the IWT framework.