Jammu, May 17 -- Length from 60 to 120 Kms; Flow from 40 to 150 cusec;To extend irrigation to Kandi belts of Samba, Kathua

By Sahil Verma

Jammu Tawi: In a significant move with major strategic and geopolitical implications,Indiais considering doubling the length of theRanbirCanalfrom 60 kilometers to 120 kilometers. The canal, which originates from the Chenab River-a key component of the now-suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)-could become a crucial lever in India's efforts to assert control over the western river waters that flow into Pakistan.

The proposal is part ofIndia's larger response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 Hindu tourists by Pakistan sponsored terrorists. Following the attack,Indiasuspended it...