India Halts Water Flow to Pakistan from Chenab River Dam Amid Rising Tensions

India Cuts Off Water Supply to Pakistan Following Missile Test

In a significant escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, India has stopped the flow of water to Pakistan from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River. The move comes just hours after Pakistan conducted a test of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday, further straining relations already fraught with disputes over terrorism and territorial claims.

India has also announced plans to reduce water discharges from the Kishanganga hydropower project on the Jhelum River, signaling a firm stance on its decision to restrict Pakistan’s access to water from the Indus river system.

Immediate Impact: 90% Reduction in Water Flow

According to officials from India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the gates of the Baglihar dam were closed following de-silting operations, cutting downstream water flow to Pakistan by nearly 90%. A similar reduction is expected at the Kishanganga dam, where maintenance work is set to begin soon.

“We have closed the gates of the Baglihar hydel power project. The reservoir had to be refilled after de-silting, and the process began on Saturday,” said an unnamed official familiar with the matter.

The decision aligns with India’s broader strategy to maximize the utilization of its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs water distribution between the two nations.

Indus Waters Treaty Under Strain

The treaty, which has survived multiple wars and conflicts, has been under severe pressure in recent years. India’s latest move follows its decision to pause the treaty in April after a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam killed dozens of tourists.

“Since India has kept the IWT in abeyance, we are exploring all possible ways to use our river waters for the benefit of our citizens,” a senior official stated.

Pakistan has long objected to India’s hydroelectric projects, including the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams, claiming their designs violate the treaty. However, India maintains that these projects are within its rights and are crucial for its energy and water security.

Strategic Hydropower Projects in Jammu & Kashmir

India is accelerating the development of multiple hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, further consolidating its control over the region’s water resources. Four major projects—Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW)—are currently under construction on the Chenab River and its tributaries.

• Pakal Dul (66% complete)
• Kiru (55% complete)
• Kwar (19% complete)
• Ratle (21% complete)

These projects, expected to be fully operational by 2027-28, will collectively generate over 10,541 million units of electricity annually, significantly boosting the region’s power supply.

Pakistan’s Protests and International Scrutiny

Pakistan has repeatedly raised objections to India’s hydro projects, particularly the Ratle and Kishanganga dams, arguing that they disrupt water flow downstream. In June 2024, a five-member Pakistani delegation, along with World Bank-appointed neutral expert Michel Lino, inspected the Ratle project in Kishtwar. However, India has dismissed Pakistan’s concerns, asserting that all projects comply with the IWT.

Broader Implications: Water as a Geopolitical Tool

India’s decision to restrict water flow is seen as a strategic response to Pakistan’s missile test and its alleged support for cross-border terrorism. By leveraging its control over the Indus river system, India is sending a strong message about its willingness to use water as a diplomatic and economic pressure tool.

The move could have severe consequences for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers for agriculture and drinking water. Any prolonged disruption could exacerbate water scarcity in Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces, where farming communities are already struggling with shortages.

Domestic Water Management Plans

India’s Jal Shakti Ministry has outlined plans to divert more water to northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, to address domestic needs. Nearly 50 NHPC engineers have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to oversee the water diversion operations.

“We are ready with stringent punitive measures against Pakistan,” an official said, indicating that further restrictions could follow if tensions escalate.

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