India Closes Chenab Water Through Baglihar Dam Gates

In a significant escalation of diplomatic and strategic tensions, India has sharply reduced the downstream water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River and is preparing to do the same from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum. This move follows Pakistan’s recent ballistic missile test and comes after India put the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. The actions signal a shift in India’s water diplomacy and response posture to persistent cross-border provocations, including a recent deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

Why in News?

India’s decision to reduce water flows to Pakistan from key Indus river projects gained attention following: Pakistan’s ballistic missile test on May 3, 2025. India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Baglihar Dam (Chenab River)

• India has lowered sluice gates and initiated de-silting operations.
• Resulted in up to 90% reduction in water flow to Pakistan.
• Official reason: reservoir maintenance and re-filling.

Kishanganga Dam (Jhelum River)

• Flow to be completely halted soon for major maintenance.
• Project had earlier been contested by Pakistan at international forums.

Background of the Issue

Indus Waters Treaty (1960)

• Mediated by the World Bank, allocates waters of 6 rivers.
• Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) mostly for Pakistan.
• Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) for India.
• India retains limited rights on the western rivers (hydropower, non-consumptive use).
• India has long been accused by Pakistan of exploiting its position through dam projects like Baglihar and Kishanganga, despite international arbitration often favoring India’s designs.

Strategic Response Measures

• Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India decided to keep the IWT in abeyance.
• Jal Shakti Ministry and Home Ministry coordinating punitive water-control steps.
• NHPC engineers deployed to Jammu & Kashmir for supervision.
• Ban on Pakistani ships at Indian ports also enforced.

Hydropower Projects in Progress

India is fast-tracking hydropower development on the Chenab River,

• Pakal Dul (1000 MW) – Foundation: May 19, 2018
• Kiru (624 MW) – Foundation: February 3, 2019
• Kwar (540 MW) – Foundation: April 22, 2022
• Ratle (850 MW) – Restarted with Indian support
• Completion targeted by 2027-28

Significance

• India using its hydrological rights as strategic tools.
• Domestic focus: augmenting water supply to northern states.
• Signals India’s readiness to leverage non-military levers of influence.
• Could impact Indo-Pak relations, regional water security, and international diplomacy around transboundary river sharing.