CHENAB

The Baglihar Dam, a major hydropower project on the Chenab, has previously been a hotspot in India-Pakistan tensions under the treaty.

Last Updated on 13th May, 2025
2 minutes, 38 seconds

Description

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Context:

India reportedly opened many gates at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam, which is located on the Chenab River in Ramban.

About Chenab River

  • The Chenab River, which translates as "Moon" (Chan) and "River" (aab), is a river in the Indian subcontinent that flows through northwestern India and northeastern and eastern Pakistan.
  • It is a tributary to the Indus River.
  • It has a total length of approximately 605 miles (974 km) and feeds multiple irrigation canals.
  • It is Himachal Pradesh's largest river by volume of water. 
  • Tributaries: The Chenab River has several tributaries, including Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.
  • The waters of the Chenab are shared by India and Pakistan under the rules of the Indus Water Treaty.

Origin

Formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga streams at Tandi, in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh

Upper Name

Chandrabhaga (in its upper reaches)

Initial Flow

Flows west through the Jammu and Kashmir union territory

Terrain Features

Passes between the steep cliffs of the Siwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north)

Flow Direction Change

Turns southwest, entering Pakistan

In Pakistan

Descends into the alluvial lowlands of Punjab province

Major Confluence

Receives the Jhelum River near Trimmu

Final Destination

Empties into the Sutlej River, which is a tributary of the Indus River

About Baglighar Dam

Location

Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir, on the Chenab River

Type

Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project with limited storage capacity

Installed Capacity

Approximately 900 MW (developed in two phases)

Commissioned By

NHPC Limited, with support from the Government of India

Controversy

Opposed by Pakistan for alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960)

Arbitration

Subject to World Bank arbitration; ruling favored India with certain required technical modifications

Source:  Economic Times

Practice Question

Q. Where is the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project located?

 (a) Jispa
(b) Kangan
(c) Ramban
(d) Udhampur

Correct Answer: (c) Ramban

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