Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday strongly opposed a proposed plan to redirect surplus water from the Indus river system in J&K to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, citing severe drought-like conditions in parts of the Union Territory. The 113-km-long canal, aimed at diverting water from the three western rivers of the Indus system, has triggered fresh political tension between states over water sharing.
Addressing reporters in Jammu, Abdullah said, “I will never permit this. Let us use our water for ourselves first. There is a drought-like situation in Jammu. Why should I send water to Punjab?” He further questioned the fairness of the proposal, recalling past instances of neglect. “Punjab already had water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they give us water when we needed it?”
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscore growing concerns within the Union Territory about water scarcity, especially as rainfall deficits and rising temperatures have worsened the situation in several districts.
