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Context:

India has reduced water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, cutting downstream supply to Pakistan by up to 90%.

News in Detail

India halts the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, which flows into Pakistan. This move follows India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

By closing all gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams, India reduces the Chenab’s water flow to Pakistan by nearly 90%, causing alarm in Pakistan, where officials fear a 20–21% water shortage for farming during the critical Kharif season (May–September).

About the Baglihar Dam

It is located in Jammu and Kashmir, it is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. Unlike storage dams, it doesn’t hold large water volumes but regulates flow to generate power.

Structure: It is a concrete gravity dam, 144.5 meters high and 363 meters long, with a reservoir capacity of 475 million cubic meters.

Powerhouse: The underground facility is 221 meters long, 24 meters wide, and 51 meters high, producing 900 MW (two phases of 450 MW each).

Timeline: Planned in 1992, approved in 1996, construction began in 1999. Phase 1 finished in 2004, and Phase 2 in 2008.

Purpose: It generates electricity for Jammu and Kashmir, supporting energy needs.

About Chenab River

• Origin: It starts at Tandi, Himachal Pradesh, where the Chandra and Bhaga streams merge in the upper Himalayas.
• Course: Flowing west through Jammu and Kashmir, it passes between the Siwalik Range and Lesser Himalayas, then enters Pakistan’s Punjab, merging with the Sutlej and Indus rivers.
• Length: About 974 km .
• Tributaries: Include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

Signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, the IWT allocates:

• Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum): Primarily for Pakistan’s unrestricted use, though India can use them for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower.
• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): For India’s use.

The treaty has survived wars and tensions, but India’s suspension marks a historic shift. India argues it needs to revise the IWT due to population growth, energy demands, and Pakistan’s alleged failure to curb terrorism. Pakistan insists any water flow disruption violates the treaty and international law. 

Must Read Articles: 

Indus Water Treaty: History and significance 

India Suspends Indus Water Treaty

Source: 

N18