Tulbul Barrage Project

GS Paper I: Water Resources, Infrastructure

Tulbul Barrage Project 

Why in News? 

India has put the Indus Water Treaty on hold for the time being. After this, the government is considering restarting the Tulbul Barrage Project. 

What is the Tulbul Barrage Project?

• The Tulbul Barrage Project is a water control system planned on the Jhelum River.
• The project was planned near the exit point of Wular Lake in Kashmir.
• The project started in the early 1980s.
• The Indian government approved it as a centrally sponsored scheme.
• Its primary aim was to regulate the water levels of the Jhelum River.
• This would ensure even water distribution across the region throughout the year.
• A key objective was to promote navigation or water transport.
• The scheme intended to channel more water from Wular Lake into the river and store it during winter using a barrage.
• Later, Pakistan opposed the project.
  • Pakistan opposed the plan, citing the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.
  • Due to this opposition, the project was stopped in 1987.

Features of the Tulbul Barrage Project

• The Tulbul Barrage is a navigation lock-cum-control structure planned at the mouth of Wular Lake.
  • The design focused on managing the Jhelum’s flow and improving navigation along the river.
  • The lock’s length was around 440 feet, suitable for large water vessels.
• The barrage was planned to be about 439 feet (134 meters) long and 40 feet (12 meters) wide.
• Its maximum water storage capacity was around 300,000 acre-feet.
• The main purpose was to create a 100-kilometer-long water corridor from North to South Kashmir.
• Before opposition, the project had already spent around ₹20 crore.

Benefits of the Tulbul Barrage Project

• Effective control of water resources: The barrage would regulate the flow of the Jhelum River, improving water management across Kashmir.
• Water corridor development: It would create a long water route for cheaper and safer transport of goods and people.
• Improved water transport: Reducing pressure on roads, the waterway would make travel easier and faster, boosting the economy.
• Irrigation water supply: It would ensure stable water for farming all year, increasing agricultural production and helping farmers.
• Energy production potential: The project could increase hydropower generation, strengthening electricity supply and reducing energy shortages.
• Flood control support: The barrage would help manage floods in the Jhelum River, protecting people and property near riverbanks.
• Environmental protection: Controlled water levels would benefit Wular Lake’s ecosystem and help conserve biodiversity.
• Economic growth encouragement: Improved water transport and irrigation would increase economic activity and create jobs.
• Regional prosperity and social development: The project would promote development in rural and urban areas, improving living standards and social stability.

Strategic Importance of the Tulbul Barrage Project

• National security: Controlling the Jhelum River flow will secure water resources in Jammu and Kashmir and protect India’s national interests.
• Political balance and diplomacy: The project strengthens India’s position regarding the Indus Water Treaty and supports demands to revise treaty terms amid rising tensions.
• Military significance: Development of waterways will speed up military movement and logistics in Kashmir. It will allow quick, safe transport of troops and supplies, aiding border defense and preparedness.
  • Water transport reduces geographic challenges, improving troop mobility.

Introduction related to the Jhelum River

• Introduction:
  • The Jhelum River holds significant importance as it flows across both India and Pakistan.
  • It serves as a key tributary feeding into the Indus River system.
  • In the Kashmir Valley, locals refer to it as Vyeth, while its Sanskrit name is Vetasta.
  • Ancient Greek texts mention this river as Hydaspes.
  • It passes through the Jhelum District located in Pakistan’s Punjab region.
  • The river sees its peak water levels during the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall.
  • In autumn, the decline in monsoon rains and weakening of Western Disturbances cause the river’s water levels to drop.
• Major Tributaries:
  • The Kishenganga (Neelum) River is the Jhelum’s largest tributary, merging near Muzaffarabad before entering Pakistan’s Punjab.
  • Kunhar River is another key tributary, linking Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with Pakistan via the Kohala Bridge.
  • Additional tributaries of the Jhelum:
    • Sandran
    • Bringi
    • Arapath
    • Watlara
    • Lidder
    • Veshaw
• Origin:
  • The Jhelum River begins at the Verinag Spring in Anantnag, nestled at the base of the Pir Panjal range in Kashmir.
  • From its source, it passes through Srinagar and flows into Wular Lake.
  • The river then crosses into Pakistan, carving a narrow and steep valley along its route.
  • It eventually joins the Chenab River near Trimmu in Pakistan.
  • The Jhelum stretches approximately 725 kilometers (450 miles) in length.