In a significant development following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India has closed all gates of the Salal and Baglihar dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir—marking a key step in its decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
Visuals from Reasi and Ramban districts showed both Salal Dam and the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project fully shut, a move that has garnered overwhelming support from local residents. People in the region have voiced strong backing for the government’s action, condemning Pakistan’s continued provocations and cross-border interference.
“Bad days are coming for Pakistan because they are not understanding what they are doing,” said a visibly frustrated local resident, warning of the possibility of war if Pakistan continues to ignore the consequences of its hostile actions. “This step taken by India is just the beginning,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, another resident emphasized the necessity of strong retaliation: “This is a very good step taken by India to teach them (Pakistan) a lesson… They took the lives of 26 innocent people. They should understand now.”
Meanwhile, the closure of Chenab’s water flow has already triggered alarm in Pakistan. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Monday raised concerns about the sudden drop in water inflows at the Marala headworks, predicting a 21% water shortage during the early Kharif season.
Following the April 22 attack, the Indian government announced a series of stern measures including:
- Holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance
- Declaring officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata
- Canceling SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) benefits for Pakistan
- Suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals
- Ordering the closure of the integrated Attari Check Post
These steps, taken after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscore India’s toughened stance against cross-border terrorism and its intent to hold Pakistan accountable both diplomatically and economically.