ISLAMABAD: India has begun executing its threat to divert the flow of river water from Pakistan, particularly from the Chenab River, by disrupting its stream at the Baglihar Dam. According to sources, the water flow at Maralla Headworks has drastically reduced to 5,400 cusecs, down from 40,000 cusecs just a week ago.
The neighboring country has reportedly started filling the Baglihar Dam reservoir using water from the Chenab River. Punjab’s irrigation department sources have expressed concern that the water levels in the Chenab may continue to drop. An Indian publication has suggested that these measures could reduce the river’s water flow to Pakistan by 90 percent.
In addition to this, India has also been preparing to reduce the water flow of the Jhelum River from the Kishenganga Hydel Power Project, as reported by India’s Hindustan Times.
Furthermore, Reuters reports that India has initiated work to increase the reservoir holding capacity at two hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. This move comes after rising tensions with Pakistan, leading India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty—a pact that has stood since 1960, despite three wars and several other conflicts between the two nuclear-armed nations.
In response, Islamabad has strongly threatened international legal action against India, stating, “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan … will be considered as an act of war.” The situation has raised alarm in both countries, with Pakistan warning that India’s actions could escalate tensions further.
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