The State Administrative Council (SAC), which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Shri Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the ratification of the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project Agreement signed on 08th of September, 2018 at Srinagar between the Governments of J&K & Punjab.After the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage based on the revised safeguards for construction, the Jammu and Kashmir State will be provided full quantity of 1150 cusecs of water from river Ravi, within its total share of 0.69 MAF, benefiting farmers of Kathua and Samba Districts. Besides, State will also get 20% electricity from Shahpur Kandi Dam and Thein Dam Projects.The project has been declared as a National Project and will be implemented by Government of Punjab without any financial liability to J&K.
The other benefits of the project shall be as under:
I. Crest level will be maintained at the same level in respect of both the sides at a height of 398.40 Mtrs.
II. Concurrently, the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) will carry out a detailed study to assess the crest levels of head regulators so as to ensure that the mandated share of 1150 cusecs of water is available to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which will be binding on both the States.
III. The project will continue to be implemented by the Government, of Punjab. However, there will be a tripartite team headed by Member, CWC and consisting of Chief Engineers of two States to monitor the project as and when required but at least once in three months to ensure that the construction is as per the Agreement.
IV. The balance costs on account of compensation (approximately Rs. 115 crore) for land acquisition in respect of Thein Dam, as per the agreement, will be paid by the Government of Punjab immediately, as per the orders of the relevant statutory authorities under the Land Acquisition Act.
V. In addition, jobs to the oustees will be given by the Government of Punjab as per the agreed R&R Policy of both the State Governments. Employment to remaining 861 displaced families shall be provided.
VI. The Government of Punjab will reiterate its commitment to construct the balance 2.3 km Ravi Canal and Siphon for the Kashmir Canal co-terminus with the construction of the Shahpur Kandi Dam. Accordingly, the Government, of Punjab shall fully fund the construction of 2.3 km of Ravi Canal and Siphon for Kashmir Canal.
VII. All claims and counter-claims of Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Government of Punjab on account of delayed implementation of Agreement of 1979, the delayed implementation of the Project shall be settled by way of arbitration in accordance with Clause 16 of the Agreement of 1979.
VIII. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shall have the right of first refusal in respect of its entitled share of 20% power from Shahpur Kandi Dam at the CERC rates, the right to be exercised annually and in advance before the beginning of each year.
IX. The water supplies to both States of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, in the operation stage, will be under the Joint Steering and Supervision of a Committee consisting of representatives of CWC and the Governments of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.