SRINAGAR: In a significant development, India has started work on increasing the reservoir capacity at two key hydroelectric projects in Kashmir, a move that follows the suspension of a water-sharing agreement with Pakistan. This action comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two countries, which led India to put a hold on the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, a vital agreement that has governed the sharing of water resources since 1960.
The suspension of the treaty, which traditionally ensured a steady flow of water to Pakistani farmlands—accounting for 80% of their irrigation needs—was triggered after a deadly attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives. India linked the attack to Pakistan-based militants, prompting Islamabad’s denial of any involvement and a firm warning about potential legal action if India moves to block or divert water that Pakistan is entitled to.
The latest step by India—undertaken by NHPC Ltd, the country’s largest hydropower company—began with a “reservoir flushing” operation to clear sediment buildup at the Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric plants. This marks the first time such work has been carried out at these sites since their construction, which dates back to the late 1980s and early 2000s. The operation, which started on May 1, involves releasing water from the dams to improve power generation efficiency and prevent damage to turbines. Over three days, local communities living near the Chenab river reported noticing a release of water from both dams.
While this action does not immediately threaten water supply to Pakistan, there are concerns that ongoing and future projects could eventually affect the flow of water, especially if similar flushing operations are carried out at other plants in the region. There are several hydroelectric projects in Kashmir, with more on the horizon, which could have downstream effects on Pakistan’s water resources.
The flushing of sediment from dams is a complex and water-intensive process that, although essential for maintaining the functionality of the hydropower plants, could lead to significant water wastage. Typically, such operations would require informing downstream countries to prevent flooding, a practice that has been customary under the treaty. However, this recent activity was conducted without informing Pakistan, as India moves ahead with its projects following the suspension of the agreement.
The Indus Waters Treaty, which has survived numerous conflicts between India and Pakistan, including three full-scale wars, has now been called into question. The treaty, which divides the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries, has allowed India to build hydropower plants without large-scale storage dams on the rivers allocated to Pakistan. But with the suspension of the treaty, India is now free to pursue its hydropower projects with greater autonomy, raising concerns about the future of water sharing in the region.
India’s water minister has made clear the country’s intent to retain full control over the Indus River’s waters, sparking further tension with Pakistan. Despite this, experts on both sides have pointed out that any drastic move to halt water flows would be a violation of the treaty’s terms and would take considerable time to implement. Still, India’s decision to move forward without consultation or notice has stirred significant unease.
As the situation unfolds, both nations are left to navigate this delicate issue, with global implications for water security in the region.
