India-Pakistan Tensions: India Cuts 90% Water Flow from Baglihar, Eyes Similar Action at Kishanganga
India is exploring all possible ways to utilize water from the rivers for the benefit of Indians.
India reduces 90% water flow from Baglihar Dam to Pakistan, latest news: India has significantly reduced the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, one of the western rivers over which Pakistan has exclusive rights under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960.
India kept the six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty in abeyance the day after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, India has cut off 90% of the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning to reduce the flow from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum as well.
In a move to curb the flow of water from rivers into Pakistan, India started de-silting operations at the Baglihar Dam, resulting in a 90% reduction in the flow of water to Pakistan, the report stated.
De-silting operations will also be carried out at the Kishanganga Dam, according to the report, which cited an official from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The dam is built on the Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum River—one of the three western rivers over which Pakistan has exclusive rights under the Indus Water Treaty.
As per the report, the Kishanganga Dam, located in the Gurez Valley, will undergo major maintenance work, during which the water flow from it will be stopped.
According to its sources, India is exploring all possible ways to utilize water from the rivers for the benefit of Indians.
“We are ready with stringent punitive measures against Pakistan, and nearly 50 engineers from the NHPC are already in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to oversee the operations,” an official was quoted as saying.
An official told Hindustan Times that India has made significant progress on four hydropower projects—Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW)—which are currently under construction on the Chenab River and its tributaries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These dams are set to be commissioned in 2027–28.
These hydropower projects are a joint venture between the NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).
According to sources cited in the report, The Pakal Dul project has achieved 66% progress, Kiru-55%, Kwa- 19%, and Ratle- 21%.
There is also the 930 MW Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project, located on a tributary of the Chenab in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, citing an official, pending clearances are under process following a memorandum between the JKSPDC and NHPC.
Pakistan had previously objected to the Ratle and Kishanganga projects, alleging violations of the Indus Water Treaty.
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