Mumbai: India has embarked on a mission to stop the flow of excess water into Pakistan, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The minister, however, clarified that India was in no way undermining the Indus water treaty.
“If you are talking about our top priorities, then aane wale samay mein Pakistan jaane wale pani ko kaise roka ja sakta hai, uspe kaam chalu hai,” he said at a function in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Asked to elaborate, he said, “The water which is excess and going to Pakistan, how can we stop that water? There are some reservoirs and rivers which are outside the catchment area. We will divert that channel so we can use that water in the lean season and monsoon season. Today, all our reservoirs are full but we can use that water (which is going to Pakistan) and divert it to the Ravi river,” Indian Express quoted him as saying.
The minister’s statement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing tension between the two countries following the abrogation of Article 270. Islamabad has already threatened to take the matter to International Court of Justice.
India has reacted back saying it is ready to face Pakistan on any international platform.
