India blocks Chenab river flow, Sparks water dispute
India has blocked the flow of water from the Baglihar dam to the Chenab river, which may lead to water shortage for Pakistan. India has suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has sought mediation from the World Bank.
India has halted the water flow via the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River and intends to implement similar measures at the Kishanganga dam on the Jhelum River. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Baglihar hydroelectric dam in Ramban, Jammu, and the Kishanganga hydroelectric dam in northern Kashmir enable India to control the timing of water release. This decision to suspend the long-standing treaty follows the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Indus Water Treaty Suspension
The assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. Since 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty, facilitated by the World Bank, has regulated the utilization of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The Balihar Dam has been a source of dispute between the two countries for an extended period.
Pakistan has requested the World Bank to intervene in the issue. Additionally, Pakistan has expressed concerns about the Kishanganga dam, particularly its effects on the Neelum river, which is a branch of the Jhelum. Previously, there was unrest in Delhi about measures against Pakistan.