India Halts Chenab Water Flow to Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions and Treaty Suspension

India has cut off Chenab river water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar dam and is preparing similar action on the Jhelum. The move follows a terror attack and missile test, and coincides with India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Hydropower projects in J&K are also being accelerated.

In a bold escalation following recent hostilities, India has significantly reduced water flow to Pakistan from the Chenab river by cutting off discharge from the Baglihar dam. This move, paired with plans to limit runoff from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum river, marks a critical shift in India's strategy after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) last month.

The action follows Pakistan's testing of a surface-to-surface ballistic missile and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed dozens of tourists. Officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) confirmed sluice gates at the Baglihar dam were shut under the pretext of routine de-silting operations, reducing the water flow to Pakistan by up to 90%.

India has justified its actions by citing national security and the need to prioritize water use for domestic needs. Authorities also indicated that similar operations at the Kishanganga dam would begin shortly, effectively halting all flow to Pakistan. A senior official stated that the government is exploring every legal and technical method to maximize water usage within its territory.

The Jal Shakti Ministry has briefed the Union Home Ministry about ongoing projects and future plans, including a significant push to complete four major hydropower projects on the Chenab river—Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle—by 2028. These projects are expected to boost the region’s power generation capacity by over 3,000 MW.

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Pakistan has repeatedly objected to the design and execution of these projects, claiming treaty violations. However, India's recent treaty suspension and strategic infrastructure push underscore its determination to assert greater control over shared water resources, especially as diplomatic and security relations between the two nations continue to deteriorate.