India Launches Master Plan in Disputed Ladakh to Block Indus River Flow

Islamabad – In its continued water aggression move, India has reportedly initiated a master plan for four new hydroelectric projects in the disputed Ladakh region, aiming to block the flow of the Indus River.

Renowned water expert Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi brought this to light in a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. He claimed that India is planning 10 major hydropower projects in Achinathang, Sanjak, Parfila, Batalik, and Khaltsi, all within the contested territory of Ladakh.

According to Abbasi, these projects exceed the water storage limits set under the Indus Waters Treaty and could drastically reduce water flow into Pakistan.

Abbasi further alleged that the projects seem primarily intended to supply heat and energy to Indian military forces stationed in the glacial Siachen region, while local residents of Ladakh continue to suffer from harsh conditions without access to such amenities.

The expert noted that under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is allowed to use only 0.25 million acre-feet of water in Ladakh for general and power storage. However, he stated that this limit was already violated with the construction of the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo and 44 MW Chutak hydropower plants, which are also said to serve military purposes.

In his letter, Abbasi characterized India’s actions as a threat to Pakistan’s survival and a deliberate effort to dismantle the ancient Indus Valley civilization. He urged the UN to intervene and help restore adherence to the original terms of the treaty.

Meanwhile, international publication The Diplomat warned that any attempt by India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty could provoke China into retaliating by blocking the Brahmaputra River. The magazine emphasized that the Brahmaputra supplies 30% of India’s water and supports 44% of its hydropower generation. It also pointed out that China is already developing large dams along the river.

It is important to note that World Bank President Ajay Banga has previously stated that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended, and can only be altered or ended through mutual agreement.

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