India has taken a significant step in its water management strategy by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan and initiating monthly flushing of the Salal and Baglihar dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision, prompted by a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, marks a shift in India’s approach to managing its shared water resources. In this article, we’ll explore what this means for India, Pakistan, and the environment, while offering practical insights for students, engineers, and policymakers interested in water management and geopolitics. Let’s dive into the details and see how this development could affect you!
What’s Happening with the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indian government has put the Indus Waters Treaty—a 1960 agreement that governs the sharing of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan—on hold following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India identified two of the attackers as Pakistani nationals, escalating tensions and leading to the suspension of the treaty on April 24.
As a short-term measure, India has started monthly flushing of the Salal (690 MW) and Baglihar (900 MW) hydroelectric dams on the Chenab River. Flushing involves releasing stored water to clear sediment buildup, which can improve dam efficiency but temporarily alters downstream water flow. The first flushing exercise, conducted earlier this month, removed over 7.5 million cubic meters of sediment from these reservoirs—the first such operation since their construction in 1987 (Salal) and 2008-09 (Baglihar), as Pakistan had previously objected under the IWT.
India has also decided to withhold hydrological data from Pakistan and will not notify them of flushing operations, a departure from past practices under the treaty. Looking ahead, the government plans to accelerate hydroelectric projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle on the Chenab, which had been stalled due to Pakistan’s objections, and explore diverting some Indus flows for India’s use.
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty
Signed on September 19, 1960, after nearly a decade of negotiations, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. The treaty assigns:
- Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) to India for unrestricted use.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan, though India can use them for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower generation through run-of-the-river projects.
Despite surviving three wars, the treaty has been under strain. India paused it in response to cross-border terrorism, formally notifying Pakistan on April 24, 2025. Pakistan recently expressed willingness to discuss India’s concerns, proposing a meeting this month, a shift from its earlier reluctance despite India’s notices in January 2023 and September 2024 for a treaty review.
Why Monthly Flushing Matters
Flushing is a maintenance technique where water is released from a dam to remove sediment that accumulates over time. Sediment buildup reduces a dam’s storage capacity and efficiency, impacting power generation. For instance, the Salal reservoir’s capacity has dropped to less than half its original 284 million cubic meters due to sedimentation.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) recommended monthly flushing to improve the operational efficiency of Salal and Baglihar, both run-of-the-river projects that don’t store large water volumes but are critical for power generation in Jammu and Kashmir. This move, however, has stirred controversy:
- Impact on India: Monthly flushing could enhance dam longevity and power output, supporting India’s energy needs. However, it temporarily reduces downstream flow, affecting power generation during the process.
- Impact on Pakistan: Pakistan, heavily reliant on the Chenab for agriculture (80% of its farmland depends on the Indus system), fears reduced water availability, especially during the kharif sowing season. Data from Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority shows a 61% drop in Chenab inflow (from 29,675 cusecs on April 23 to 11,423 cusecs by May 5), raising concerns about crop shortages.
- Environmental Concerns: Frequent flushing could alter river ecosystems, affecting aquatic life and downstream water quality due to sediment-laden releases.
How This Affects You
This development has far-reaching implications for various groups:
- For EEE Students:
As an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, this scenario offers a real-world case study in hydropower management. Run-of-the-river projects like Salal and Baglihar are excellent examples of sustainable energy generation, but they also highlight challenges like sedimentation.
Actionable Tip: Dive deeper into hydropower systems by exploring resources like the International Hydropower Association or taking a course on renewable energy systems via Coursera. You could also propose a mini-project on optimizing dam operations using sensors and automation—perfect for your portfolio! - For Engineers and Policymakers:
The suspension of the IWT opens opportunities to fast-track hydropower projects, potentially boosting India’s renewable energy capacity. However, it also raises ethical questions about water as a geopolitical tool. Engineers might need to balance technical efficiency with environmental and diplomatic considerations.
Actionable Tip: Stay updated on water management policies through platforms like The Third Pole, which focuses on Himalayan water issues, or engage with the Central Water Commission for technical insights. - For the General Public:
If you’re in Jammu and Kashmir, be aware of fluctuating water levels in the Chenab River. Earlier this month, the riverbed ran dry in some areas, prompting police warnings against crossing on foot due to sudden water surges. Nationally, this could impact electricity prices if power generation is affected.
Actionable Tip: Follow local news for updates on river safety, and consider supporting sustainable energy initiatives in your community to reduce reliance on hydropower fluctuations.
The Bigger Picture: Geopolitical and Environmental Angles
India’s decision to suspend the IWT and initiate monthly flushing is part of a broader strategy to assert control over its water resources amid rising tensions with Pakistan. The government plans to:
- Short-Term: Continue flushing and withhold data sharing.
- Medium-Term: Expedite stalled hydropower projects on the Chenab, potentially adding thousands of megawatts to India’s grid.
- Long-Term: Explore new projects and possible diversion of Indus waters, though infrastructure constraints limit immediate impact.
However, this move isn’t without risks:
- Geopolitical Tensions: Pakistan has called the suspension an “act of war,” with its Indus River System Authority warning of a 20% cut in farm water supplies if flows remain low. The Chenab’s drastic flow reduction (down 90% at times) has already caused alarm in Pakistan’s Punjab, a key agricultural region.
- Regional Dynamics: India’s actions could set a precedent for other transboundary river disputes, like the Brahmaputra with China, which blocked a tributary in 2016. This highlights the need for diplomatic solutions to shared water challenges.
- Environmental Impact: Frequent flushing may harm the Chenab’s ecosystem, affecting fish populations and water quality downstream. Sustainable water management practices are crucial to mitigate these effects.
What Can You Do?
Here are some ways to engage with this issue:
- Learn More: Explore the history of the Indus Waters Treaty through resources like the World Bank, which brokered the agreement, or read in-depth analyses on The Diplomat.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates on India-Pakistan relations and water management via credible outlets like The Indian Express or Reuters.
- Get Involved: If you’re a student or professional, consider joining discussions on sustainable water management through forums like the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People.
Final Thoughts
India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the monthly flushing of Salal and Baglihar dams signal a new chapter in South Asian water politics. While this move strengthens India’s control over its resources, it also raises questions about regional stability and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a student, engineer, or concerned citizen, understanding these developments can help you contribute to solutions—be it through innovation, policy advocacy, or simply staying informed.
What are your thoughts on using water as a diplomatic tool? Share your ideas below, and let’s discuss how we can balance national interests with regional cooperation!