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Revival of Tulbul Navigation Project on Wular Lake Amid Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

Introduction

The Centre is considering the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project on Wular Lake after the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was reportedly put on hold by India. The project, abandoned in 1987 following objections from Pakistan, aims to regulate water flow in the Jhelum River through a barrage structure near Ningli in Kashmir. The move assumes significance in the context of India-Pakistan water diplomacy, hydropower generation, inland navigation and strategic utilisation of western rivers under the Indus basin system.

What is the Tulbul Navigation Project?

The Tulbul Navigation Project, also known as the Wular Barrage Project, envisages the construction of a 439-ft long and 40-ft wide barrage below Wular Lake near Ningli in Jammu and Kashmir.The project proposes a storage capacity of 0.30 Million Acre Feet (MAF) to regulate water flow from Wular Lake into the Jhelum River.The project was initially designed to:

• Maintain a minimum water draft of 4.4 ft in the Jhelum River during winter.
• Ensure year-round navigation between Baramulla and Sopore over a 20-km stretch.
• Improve downstream hydropower generation.
• Regulate lean season river flow.

Civil construction work including foundation and piling works had already been completed before the project was halted in 1987.

Why was the Project Abandoned?

Pakistan strongly objected to the project under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.Pakistan argued that:

• The proposed barrage amounted to a storage facility on the Jhelum River, one of the western rivers allocated primarily to Pakistan.
• Under the treaty, India is restricted from constructing storage structures on the main stem of western rivers beyond specified limits.

Following these objections, India stopped construction in 1987 despite partial completion of civil works.

Present Developments

According to the report, the Union government has now initiated efforts to reassess the project after the IWT was reportedly kept in abeyance.The government has directed NHPC to conduct a pre-feasibility study and submit a report within three months.The decision reportedly followed consultations involving:

• Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Ministry of Power
• Other stakeholders related to Indus basin water utilisation

The project revival is being examined in the broader context of better harnessing waters from the Indus river system.

Strategic and Economic Importance

Inland Navigation

The project would maintain navigable water levels in the Jhelum River during lean winter months, supporting inland transport between Baramulla and Sopore.

Hydropower Benefits

Regulated water flow would support downstream hydroelectric projects including:

• Uri Hydroelectric Project
• Uri-I Hydroelectric Project

Steady lean-season flow could improve power generation efficiency.

Water Regulation

The barrage would help regulate outflow from the natural storage provided by Wular Lake.

Strategic Dimension

The revival reflects India’s attempt to maximise utilisation of waters from the western rivers within or beyond the framework of the IWT.

Political Controversy

The issue triggered political debate in Jammu and Kashmir after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted remarks on social media regarding possible revival of the project.PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticised the remarks and termed them “provocative”.The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan water relations in Kashmir.

Indus Waters Treaty: Key Provisions

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) was brokered by the World Bank between India and Pakistan.

River Allocation under IWT

Under the treaty:

• India received unrestricted rights over eastern rivers.
• Pakistan received unrestricted use over western rivers.
• India was allowed limited non-consumptive use on western rivers, including:
  • Domestic use
  • Agriculture
  • Run-of-the-river hydropower generation
  • Navigation purposes

Such uses remain subject to treaty design and operational criteria.

India’s Position on Tulbul Project

India has consistently maintained that:

• Wular Lake already possesses natural storage.
• The Tulbul structure is merely a navigation lock to regulate outflow.
• The project does not amount to creation of a new storage reservoir prohibited under the treaty.

This position was reiterated in Parliament in 2006 by the then water resources minister Saifuddin Soz.

Broader Implications

The revival of the Tulbul Project carries multiple implications:

• Reassertion of India’s water utilisation rights.
• Potential escalation in India-Pakistan water disputes.
• Increased focus on strategic use of western rivers.
• Greater emphasis on hydropower and inland water navigation in Kashmir.
• Renewed debate over interpretation of IWT provisions.

The issue is important for understanding the intersection of:

• International river treaties
• Water security
• Hydro-politics
• Federal governance
• Strategic infrastructure development

Static Part

Tulbul Navigation Project

Wular Lake

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

NHPC

Updated – 11 June 2025 ; 02:36 PMNews Source:ThePrint