In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has intensified its actions against Pakistan. As part of its decision to suspend cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, India has halted the flow of water from the Chenab River to Pakistan. Following the closure of the Baglihar Dam gates, India has now also shut the gates of the Salal Dam. This has led to a significant drop in the water level of the Chenab River on the Pakistani side, with the river reportedly drying up in several areas. However, in Ramban, water continues to be released from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Strong decisions must be made in politics for the nation’s interest. Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated this with action. India stands firm and resolute against terrorism. Water cannot flow alongside the blood of our citizens.”
Water Level of Chenab Falls
The complete closure of the Salal Dam gates, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, has further reduced the Chenab’s water level in the region. In several places, the riverbed is now dry. India is also reportedly preparing similar action at the Kishanganga Dam, built on the Jhelum River.
India’s Strong Retaliation
Following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India has taken multiple steps against Pakistan. The first was suspending the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty. Originally signed in 1960 by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then-Pakistani President Ayub Khan, the treaty had governed water-sharing between the two countries.
India has also ordered Pakistani nationals to return to their homeland, reduced the staff at the Pakistan High Commission, and is considering further measures including closing Indian airspace to Pakistan.
