Baglihar Dam flow stopped, Indus Waters Treaty suspended
After the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken a bold diplomatic step by blocking the flow of water from the Chenab River to Pakistan through the Baglihar Dam. The country has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement in place since 1960.
According to a PTI report citing official sources, India is also planning similar action at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, both of which flow into Pakistan.
🤝 What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 with the help of the World Bank. It gave:
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India’s rights over eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)
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Pakistan’s rights over western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)
Despite wars, this treaty has survived for over 60 years — until now.
🛑 Why This Matters
These rivers — the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus — are Pakistan’s lifelines. Cutting or reducing their water flow could severely impact the country’s farming and power supply.
Irrigation Coverage and food production:
Approximately 80% of Pakistan’s arable land relies on irrigation from the Indus Basin. Irrigated land contributes to about 93% of Pakistan’s total agricultural production. (Source : India Today)
The system supports over 237 million people, with Pakistan accounting for 61% of the Indus Basin population. Hydropower plants like Tarbela and Mangla also depend on uninterrupted flows. (source-businesstoday)
So when India turns off the tap — even partly — it hits Pakistan where it hurts the most: food, farming, and power.
Hydroelectric Projects on the Chenab River and Its Tributaries in Jammu & Kashmir
Source: Frontline India
| Project Name | River / Tributary | Purpose | Nearest City/District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baglihar Dam | Chenab | Hydroelectric | Ramban / Doda |
| Dulhasti Dam | Chenab | Hydroelectric | Kishtwar / Doda |
| Salal Dam | Chenab | Hydroelectric | Gool Gulab Garh / Reasi / Udhampur |
| Pakal Dul Dam | Marusudar (Chenab Tributary) | Hydroelectric | Kishtwar |
| Chenani Project | Tawi (Chenab Tributary) | Hydroelectric | Udhampur (8 km away) |
| Chenani-III Project | Tawi (Chenab Tributary) | Hydroelectric | Udhampur |
What Are These Dams?
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Baglihar Dam (on Chenab): A dam India built in Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan raised objections earlier, and the World Bank had to step in to mediate.
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Kishanganga Dam (on Jhelum): Another Indian project that Pakistan opposed because it affects water flow into the Neelum River, a Jhelum tributary.
Pakistan Reacts
This move has rattled Pakistan. An old warning from former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto is making headlines again:
“The Indus is ours and will remain ours — whether it flows with water or blood.”
(Source: Hindustan Times)
The fear? If water is used as a weapon, what’s next — war?
From Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (via Geo News):
“Certainly, if they attempt to build any kind of structure, we will strike it.”
“Aggression is not just about firing cannons or bullets; it has many faces. One of those faces is [blocking or diverting water], which could lead to deaths due to hunger and thirst.”
“If they make any architectural attempt, then Pakistan will destroy that structure. But for now, we are heading to forums available to us, starting from the IWT.”
India Reacts
From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“The armed forces have complete operational freedom to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response.” according to government sources.
Water is no longer just about drinking and farming — it’s now a geopolitical weapon. With the tap turned down, India has shown that it can respond without a single bullet, just a valve.
