Jammu, Feb 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that work on the long-pending Tulbul Navigation Project and a major Chenab river water diversion scheme for Jammu is expected to begin soon, following recent developments related to the Indus Water Treaty.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir government is in active coordination with the Centre to move forward on both projects after the treaty was put in abeyance.
“We are working with the Government of India on two major initiatives following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. One is the Tulbul Navigation Project near Sopore, and the other is lifting water from the Chenab river near Akhnoor to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for Jammu,” Omar Abdullah said.
He noted that both projects had remained stalled for years due to restrictions imposed under the treaty framework, despite their strategic and developmental importance for the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that the Chenab water supply project had earlier been proposed for funding through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), but could not move forward because of treaty-related constraints.
“With the changed circumstances, we are hopeful that these long-awaited projects will finally take off,” he added.
The Tulbul Navigation Project is aimed at improving navigability on the Jhelum river and enhancing water management in north Kashmir, while the Chenab water lifting project is expected to significantly ease drinking water shortages in Jammu city and surrounding areas.
Omar Abdullah said the government considers both initiatives critical for strengthening water security and long-term infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.
