In a sharp escalation of its stance on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India has cut off the water flow from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River to Pakistan, slashing the downstream supply by nearly 90%. Simultaneously, preparations are underway to halt water discharge from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum River, signaling a major shift in water-sharing dynamics.
Following a week of inspections and hydrological analysis, India commenced de-silting operations at the Baglihar hydropower plant in Jammu and Kashmir. The process involved lowering sluice gates, effectively reducing water flow to Pakistan. Officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) confirmed that sluice gates were shut as part of reservoir maintenance. A similar maintenance drive is planned for the Kishanganga dam in the Gurez valley.
This move comes in the backdrop of escalating tensions, including Pakistan’s recent missile test and terrorist attacks in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that left several dead. India responded not only by suspending the IWT but also by prohibiting Pakistani ships from docking at Indian ports.
A top Jal Shakti Ministry official stated that India is “exploring every option” to maximize the use of river waters for national benefit. Nearly 50 engineers from NHPC have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to oversee these hydropower operations, aimed at bolstering northern India’s water supply.
India is also fast-tracking four major hydropower projects in the Chenab basin:
- Pakal Dul (1,000 MW) – 66% complete
- Kiru (624 MW) – 55% complete
- Kwar (540 MW) – 19% complete
- Ratle (850 MW) – 21% complete
Together, these projects will provide over 3,000 MW of clean energy and generate 10,541 million units annually. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for these developments between 2018 and 2022. The projects are being implemented jointly by NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).
Pakistan has repeatedly protested these dam constructions, citing violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. In June 2024, a Pakistani delegation accompanied by World Bank-appointed neutral expert Michel Lino inspected the Ratle site in Kishtwar.
Despite its vast hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, Jammu and Kashmir has harnessed only about 24% so far. Most of this untapped potential lies in the Chenab basin, which alone holds 11,283 MW of capacity.
India’s bold water policy shift marks a critical juncture in South Asia’s geopolitical and environmental landscape, with lasting implications for regional stability and resource management.