After Operation Sindoor, tension had increased in the relations between India and Pakistan. After this the Indian Government decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty. The government clarified that this treaty was for the time of peace and if Pakistan is not ready to maintain peace then the agreement can be reviewed. Now in this sequence, the Jammu and Kashmir government has completed the Wular Barrage Project, which was closed for four decades, which is also known as Tulbul Project. Preparations have been made to start it again. The objective of this project is to store the water of river Jhelum and control its flow.

According to NDTV report, the Wular Barrage project was earlier stopped due to the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. Funding was also taken from Asian Bank for this scheme, but later the work came to a halt. Now that the treaty has been suspended, the Omar Abdullah-led government is preparing to take it forward in collaboration with the Centre. According to officials, the central and state governments will soon start joint work on this. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had told in the Assembly that the state government is working on two big projects. These include water supply to Jammu city from Chenab river in Akhnoor and Tulbul project on Jhelum.

Current status of Wular Lake

The size of Wular Lake varies according to the flow of Jhelum River. Its minimum area reaches about 20 square kilometers and maximum reaches about 190 square kilometers. Due to reduced water flow of Jhelum in winter, many parts of the lake dry up. This affects the livelihood of the local people.

local people hope

Hundreds of people from Bandipora to Sopore depend on this lake for fishing, water chestnut and lotus cucumber extraction. The shrinking of the lake has affected their income. Local people say that if the Wular Barrage project is restarted, water storage will be better and their traditional livelihood will be supported.

Pakistan’s reaction

After the suspension of Indus Water Treaty, continuous statements have been given by Pakistan. Pakistan had warned that if the water was stopped, it would be considered a war-like step. However, the Indian government has said that it will stick to its decision. Now the process of restarting the Wular Barrage project is being taken forward with the coordination of the Central and State Governments. This project can prove to be important for both regional water management and local economy in the coming times.