India clears Ujh Canal project in Kathua to block water flow to Pakistan
Move violates int’l laws, exposes Delhi’s designs in disputed IIOJK
Jammu: In a fresh provocative move, the BJP-led Indian government has cleared the controversial Ujh Canal Project in the Kathua district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with the stated aim of utilising river water flowing towards Pakistan, a step analysts say amounts to a blatant violation of international laws and water-sharing agreements.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India’s Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, announced that the canal system on the Ujh River—located in Kathua district—has been approved by both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“The project has been cleared by both the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Dr Jitendra Singh stated while chairing a review meeting with the district administration in Kathua.
Political observers and legal experts have pointed out that India has no legal, moral or international standing to undertake such projects in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which remains a disputed territory under United Nations resolutions.
Experts warn that the move is a clear attempt by New Delhi to weaponise water against Pakistan, in violation of international water laws and the Indus Waters Treaty, while further entrenching its illegal control over IIOJK.
During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed development projects, flood damage assessments and fund allocations in Kathua district.
He also highlighted several infrastructure projects, including the widening of Dhar Road in Udhampur. Plans for the Chattergala Tunnel and revival of the Ujh multipurpose project were also discussed.
Observers say that behind the development rhetoric, the approval of the Ujh Canal Project exposes India’s long-term strategy to alter facts on the ground in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, exploit its natural resources, and exert pressure on Pakistan by obstructing river flows—an approach that threatens regional stability and further escalates tensions in South Asia. KMS-10K
