Just days after India announced its withdrawal from the Indus Water Treaty as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reports have emerged claiming that the Chenab River in Pakistan has dried up. Times Now highlighted this development based on satellite imagery. The Chenab River is extensively used for irrigation in Pakistan, including for agricultural activities. As per the treaty, Pakistan has rights over the waters of the Chenab. The river’s water flows into the Ravi River through several canals. Alongside the Indus and Jhelum, Chenab is one of the major western rivers.
The satellite images show that the portion of the Chenab River near Sialkot in Pakistan’s Punjab province appears to be dry. It is believed that India controlled the river’s flow through the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir, affecting the water release. The construction of this dam has previously led to disputes with Pakistan. Completed in 2008, Pakistan had then raised concerns that the dam violated the Indus Waters Treaty. The project generates 900 megawatts of electricity and includes an underground powerhouse, standing 144.5 meters tall. Other dam projects like Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, Kirthai I & II, Bursar, and Ratle are currently underway.
Following the terror attack on April 26, India’s first retaliatory action was the suspension of the water-sharing agreement with Pakistan. The Indus Waters Treaty, implemented with World Bank mediation, is now under scrutiny, and Pakistan is reportedly planning to take the matter to international court.
The latest satellite images, dated April 26 and 29, suggest a significant reduction in water flow to the river. Experts say even a week’s restriction on Chenab’s water can severely impact agriculture in Pakistan, especially in Punjab, potentially reducing mustard and rabi crops by up to 50%. Crops like cotton and rice may also suffer. Though permanent water blockage may take time, the short-term restrictions are already posing serious challenges.
After the attack, India’s Water Resources Secretary Debashree Mukherjee sent a letter to Pakistan stating that the treaty was being revoked due to Pakistan’s failure to curb cross-border terrorism. The letter mentioned that India was exercising its full rights under the agreement. It also noted that changes in Kashmir’s demographics and India’s clean energy initiatives warranted a re-evaluation of the treaty’s terms.
Along with shutting the India-Pakistan route at Attari, India has taken several other diplomatic steps. Pakistan, meanwhile, has strongly protested the cancellation and has reportedly started provocations at the border.
