Over the weekend, India unexpectedly released water from the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This action marks the first significant water release since India announced that it was putting the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) “on hold” after a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Typically, water release—known as “flushing the reservoir”—is a regular part of maintenance for dams. It helps to clear out silt and muck, ensuring that hydroelectric power plants can operate efficiently. Normally, this flushing is done in August during the monsoon season. However, the recent release was advanced to early May.
A government source confirmed, “We have done some reservoir flushing in the last few days. This will increase the volume of water downstream in Pakistan for a day or two, but not significantly.” However, officials warned that after this flushing, there would be a period of reduced water flow as the dams refilled.
The Baglihar Dam has a capacity of 475 million cubic meters and is designed to produce 900 megawatts of electricity. The Salal Dam, another major project, has a capacity of 690 megawatts. Both dams are crucial for the region’s power supply.
The IWT regulates how water from the Indus River system, which includes the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, is shared between India and Pakistan. About 80% of Pakistan’s cultivated land relies on this water for irrigation, making it vital for the country’s agriculture and economy.
India’s decision to flush water without advance warning to Pakistan has raised concerns, as the IWT usually requires prior notification for such actions. The Indian government has stated that it is reviewing its commitments under the treaty, especially following the Pahalgam attack, and might explore new options regarding water management.
The release of water has led to temporarily lower water levels in parts of J&K, with reports of locals being able to cross the Chenab River on foot in some areas. However, they also noted that water levels increased again as more gates were opened to allow additional water to flow.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for the longstanding relationship between India and Pakistan and the management of shared water resources remain uncertain.
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