Indian hydropower projects threaten Indus valley, violate UN resolutions

The Modi government is reportedly advancing a series of hydropower projects in the disputed Ladakh region, sparking alarm over potential violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and United Nations resolutions. The concerns were raised in a letter by Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

According to Abbasi, India is constructing 10MW-scale projects at locations including Achinathang, Sanjak, Parfi La, Batalik, and Khaltsi. He argues these developments exceed permissible limits for water usage and storage under the Indus Waters Treaty and are strategically designed to support Indian military forces stationed at the Siachen Glacier.

“These projects are a death sentence for Pakistan and pose a serious threat to the ancient Indus Valley civilization,” Abbasi wrote, urging immediate intervention by the United Nations.

Abbasi also cited prior treaty violations, pointing to India’s 45MW Nimo Bazgo and 44MW Chutak hydropower plants in Ladakh, which he claims were built primarily for military use, while ignoring the needs of the local population suffering from extreme winter conditions.

In a related warning, The Diplomat cautioned that any attempts by India to alter the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty could provoke China to retaliate by restricting the flow of the Brahmaputra River. The river accounts for 30% of India’s water resources and supports 44% of its hydroelectric generation.

Experts warn that escalating water disputes in the region could have severe geopolitical and humanitarian consequences, with calls growing for international oversight and diplomatic resolution.