Chenab River Starts Drying as Baglihar, Salal Dams Close
To which the terror attack in Pahalgam that saw 26 tourists killed stands in response, India has since made bold diplomatic moves against Pakistan by suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing the major dam gates. Therefore, different stretches of the Chenab River are drying up, posing a big geopolitical change in water diplomacy between the two countries.
The Baglihar and Salal Hydroelectric Power Projects have closed all their gates, halting regulated water flow into Pakistan.
Understanding the Indus Water Treaty
Signed in 1960, the Indus Water Treaty separates the control of six rivers among India and Pakistan. Although India holds rights on the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, Pakistan received control over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. The recent stoppage has upended this balance, with India exercising its right to reevaluate terms in light of national security.
The people in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the decision of the government vehemently. Most of them opine that India must not share any water resources with Pakistan if terror continues to loom over the country.
“Previously, the Chenab River flowed at 25-30 feet. Today it’s only 1.5-2 feet,” added Kalyan Singh, who hails from the area. “We back PM Modi and the Indian Army. No water should reach Pakistan.”
Minimal Environmental Disruption Claimed
Even though water flow has decreased, officials are keeping one functional gate open at Salal and Baglihar dams to release as little water as possible. Increasing tensions along the border and survival of terror threats allegedly backed and sponsored by organizations having headquarters in Pakistan constitute the rationale for retaliatory actions.
Akhnoor Residents Warned Following Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall in Akhnoor’s portion of the Chenab on May 2 also raised the water level there. The local administrative authorities and police promptly issued flood warnings for evacuation to avert flood-related accidents.
“Chenab River’s water level is going to increase. All the locals are requested to leave the river area instantly,” a public announcement read.
India Ramps Up Diplomatic Isolation of Pakistan
In addition to the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, India has also declared a number of Pakistani diplomats and military personnel in New Delhi as persona non grata. They have been given a week to leave the country, heightening the diplomatic confrontation.
A Strategic Water Diplomacy Tool
Consequently, the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty to deliver a strong message to Pakistan against terrorism. Using the control over water—a resource essential for Pakistani agriculture—India seeks to exercise non-military pressure.
Future of the Indus Water Treaty in Question
As tensions rise, questions are being raised about the long-term survival of the Indus Water Treaty. The international community is following developments closely, aware that any sustained disruption would have dire implications for both countries, especially Pakistan’s irrigation-based agriculture.
Conclusion
India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty in the wake of the Pahalgam attack represents a pivotal point in South Asian geopolitics. With water increasingly a lifeline and a means of diplomacy, the fate of bilateral ties remains in the balance. India is effectively paving the road to a new dimension in water resources’ sharing npolicy settings in south and central Asia, with a multitude of local approvals and global affirmations. Source aninews
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