New Delhi, April 25: Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil on Friday announced that the central government has formulated a comprehensive roadmap to prevent Indian river water from flowing into Pakistan.
The development follows a high-level meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah amid rising tensions after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Speaking to the media, Paatil stated that both immediate and long-term measures are being implemented.
“A roadmap was prepared in the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Three options were discussed, and we are working on short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to ensure that not even a drop of water reaches Pakistan,” he said.
As part of the short-term measures, desilting of rivers has been prioritized to help stop and divert the water flow. The announcement reflects the Centre’s growing resolve to review its water-sharing arrangements with Pakistan, particularly in light of the deteriorating bilateral relations.
The move comes in the wake of a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where it was decided to hold the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The decision will remain effective until Pakistan "credibly and irreversibly" ends its support for cross-border terrorism. The CCS also approved the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it “the most unfair document” for the people of the Union Territory.
“We have never supported the Indus Water Treaty. It has always been unjust to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he told reporters on Friday.
Abdullah also shared that he received assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the safety of J&K residents living in other parts of the country. “I raised concerns during the meeting, and the Home Minister assured that necessary steps will be taken. An advisory will be issued, and he has already spoken to the Chief Ministers of several states,” he said.
The Centre's push to reassess the Indus Waters Treaty and redirect river water that currently flows to Pakistan marks a significant policy shift, underscoring a tougher stance against terrorism and a renewed focus on national security and water sovereignty.
(With agency inputs)
