Punjab Gets Highest Dam on River Ravi Through Shahpurkandi
The Shahpur Kandi Dam project on river Ravi in Punjab recently attained completion in February 2024. Located about 170 km from Amritsar, the project was conceived under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 for optimal utilization of India’s rights on eastern rivers.
- With height raised to 493 meters, Shahpur Kandi is set to become Punjab’s highest dam and help India use its full share of water from the Ravi.
Significance of the Project
- Annual irrigation potential enhanced to 37,173 hectares in Gurdaspur and Pathankot
- 206 MW installed capacity for hydro-power generation
- Improved water supply to Amritsar and other towns
- Arresting monsoon flood waters of river Ravi
- Recharging depleted groundwater along Ravi basin
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter |
Value |
| Dam Height |
493 meters |
| Dam Length |
518 meters |
| Reservoir Storage |
725 million cubic meters |
| Power Intake Capacity |
204 cumecs |
| Annual Energy Generation Target |
206 MU |
Project Implementation
- Approved in 1982 under Indus basin development
- Stalled due to techno-economic viability concerns
- Revised and approved in 2016 under Shahpurkandi Dam Project
- Completed in Feb 2024 at project cost of Rs. 2166 crores
| Key Dates |
Events |
| 1982 |
Original approval by Central Water Commission |
| 1997 |
Work suspended due to concerns on returns |
| 2014 |
Revised project proposal by Punjab |
| 2018 |
Revised cost estimate of Rs. 2051 crores |
| 2018 |
Investment approval by Ministry of Water Resources |
| 2023 |
Successful dam design tests |
| Feb 2024 |
Project completion |
Augmenting Ravi Waters Through Storage
- Natural flows in Ravi highly erratic – restricted window for utilization
- Average virgin flow at Madhopur headworks is 11.91 MAF
- Lean season flow often < 100 cumecs against capacity of 1700 cumecs
- Shahpurkandi storage will enable better flows for irrigation off-takes
| Indicative Lean Season Flows |
Values |
| Without dam storage |
78 cumecs |
| With dam storage |
390 cumecs |
Enhanced Share as per Indus Treaty
- Ravi is an eastern basin river with flexible usages under the Treaty
- Minimum flow commitments to Pakistan only during specified period
- Shahpur Kandi to allow India harness its full share per Treaty provisions
| India Share |
Pakistan Share |
| 4.22 MAF |
2.30 MAF |
Additional Technical Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Spillway Capacity |
15,640 cumecs |
| Power House |
Underground (2 units of 103 MW) |
| Annual Energy Generation Target |
206 million units |
| Type of Turbines |
Francis reversible turbines |
| Discharge Capacity of Turbines |
100 to 115 cumecs |
- Gross storage capacity of reservoir – 825 million cubic meters
- Live storage capacity – 725 million cubic meters
- Full reservoir level – 512 meters
- Minimum drawdown level – 488 meters
- Catchment area above Shahpurkandi site – 18,172 sq km
- Average annual precipitation in Ravi basin – 1100 mm
- Observed highest flood discharge – 59,000 cumecs (August 1988)
Advanced Instrumentation and Control Systems
- Central dam surveillance control system for real-time monitoring
- Auto water level recorders with rain gauges
- Intelligent valve operating system with smart sensors
- Cloud-based data analytics for predictive dam maintenance
- Flood forecasting module using hydrologic models
- Online system for gate operations logging and optimization
Environment Management, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
- Compensatory afforestation on 1500 hectares of land around reservoir
- Animal ramps and rescue facilities incorporated in dam design
- Resettlement of 342 project affected families as per National R&R policy
- Sewage treatment plant and waste collection system for labor colonies
- Provision of free fuel, fodder and cattle sheds for affected communities
- Regular water quality testing according to CPCB guidelines
River waters are crucial yet contested resources between India and Pakistan. The Shahpurkandi project will catalyze optimal development of the Ravi basin on the Indian side per provisions of the Indus Treaty signed with Pakistan over six decades ago. Its successful completion stands testimony to India’s capabilities for strategic dam infrastructure development despite external constraints.
