JAMMU (Feb 10, 2026) – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced in the Legislative Assembly today that the Jammu and Kashmir government intends to “fully utilize” the current abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to revive long-stalled water and infrastructure projects.
The move follows India’s decision to suspend the 1960 treaty in April 2025, a retaliatory measure triggered by a major terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Reviving the “Stalled” Projects
Abdullah highlighted two primary initiatives that were previously blocked by the treaty’s restrictive provisions regarding the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab):
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Chenab Water Supply Project: A critical plan to lift water from the Chenab River near Akhnoor to meet the growing drinking water needs of Jammu city. This project was previously denied funding by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) due to IWT constraints.
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Tulbul Navigation Project (Wular Barrage): Conceived in the 1980s, this project involves a navigation lock-cum-control structure on the Jhelum River near Sopore. It is designed to regulate water flow for year-round navigation and improve downstream power generation at the Uri and Lower Jhelum plants.
Strategic Rationale: Hydrological Leverage
The suspension of the IWT marks a paradigm shift in India’s water diplomacy. By holding the treaty in “abeyance,” the Indian government is no longer bound by specific design and operational limitations:
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Infrastructure Freedom: India can now explore storage-based projects on western rivers, whereas the IWT previously only allowed “run-of-the-river” hydroelectric plants.
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Data Halt: India has reportedly stopped sharing hydrological and flood-related data with Pakistan, which is vital for the lower riparian state’s disaster management.
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Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project: Parallel to Abdullah’s announcement, the Centre recently floated a ₹5,129 crore tender for the 1,856 MW Sawalkot project on the Chenab, signaling a massive push for regional energy security.
Context: Why the Treaty was Suspended
| Event | Date | Action taken by India |
| Pahalgam Terror Attack | April 22, 2025 | 26 killed; linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits. |
| IWT Abeyance | April 23, 2025 | Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) puts treaty on hold. |
| Diplomatic Downgrade | May 1, 2025 | Attari-Wagah border closed; diplomatic staff reduced. |
A Future-Forward Water Plan
Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized that “band-aid solutions” are no longer sufficient. The UT government is now working with the Centre on a 30-to-50-year plan to ensure that J&K’s water resources are utilized for its own agricultural and urban development first.
