Amid escalating cross-border tensions and in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, parts of the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir have begun to dry up after India closed all gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams, significantly reducing water flow to Pakistan.
The decision is part of India’s broader diplomatic and strategic retaliation against Pakistan, which includes placing the Indus Waters Treaty—signed in 1960—in abeyance. The Chenab, along with the Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, is one of the key rivers covered under the treaty. Pakistan relies heavily on these rivers to irrigate vast swathes of agricultural land.
Despite the drastic reduction in water flow, India has continued to release small amounts of water from a single gate at both dams to prevent ecological damage and maintain basic marine wildlife balance.
The move has found resounding support from local residents, many of whom have vocally backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision. Local resident Kalyan Singh told ANI, “Earlier, the Chenab River flowed at 25-30 feet, but now it’s down to just 1.5-2 feet. We don’t want even a single drop of water going to Pakistan. We stand with the Indian Army and PM Modi.”
Meanwhile, in Akhnoor, recent heavy rainfall on May 2 temporarily raised the Chenab’s water levels, prompting police and local administration to issue evacuation advisories as a precautionary measure.
Following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people—most of them tourists—India has taken several retaliatory steps, including:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Declaring Pakistani military and intelligence officials persona non grata
- Suspension of visas and diplomatic privileges under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, vowing to pursue justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and hold the perpetrators and their backers accountable.
