India Moves to Harness Ravi Waters, Accelerates Chenab Desilting; Pakistan Faces Mounting Water Pressure
New Delhi, February 23, 2026: India is set to significantly tighten control over the waters of the Ravi River as the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Dam project nears completion, a move that could intensify water stress in Pakistan ahead of the peak summer season. Simultaneously, India has accelerated desilting operations on the Chenab River, further altering the regional water equation.
The developments come amid heightened bilateral tensions and the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty by India in 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Shahpur Kandi Dam Nears Completion
The Shahpur Kandi Dam, located along the Punjab–Jammu and Kashmir border in Pathankot district, is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Once operational, the dam will enable India to fully util...









