India Blocks Chenab River Flow to Pakistan, Escalates Pressure After Missile Test

Following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s missile launch, India curtails water discharge from Baglihar Dam and plans to halt Kishanganga flow as part of broader strategic retaliation.

New Delhi, May 5, 2025:
In a decisive escalation of its stance against Pakistan, India has cut off the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, reducing downstream supply to Pakistan by nearly 90%, according to top officials. This comes just hours after Pakistan tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, further straining bilateral ties already rocked by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Also Read: J&K Man Accused of Aiding, Sheltering Terrorists Drowns While Escaping Security Forces-Video

India began de-silting operations and lowered sluice gates at Baglihar, an NHPC official confirmed, triggering a sharp reduction in cross-border river flow. Similar operations are being planned for the Kishanganga Hydropower Project on the Jhelum, potentially cutting off another key water source to Pakistan.

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“We have closed the gates of the Baglihar project… the reservoir will be refilled following de-silting. The process started Saturday,” said an official on condition of anonymity.

This water blockade is part of India’s broader retaliation, which includes suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, banning Pakistani ships from docking at Indian ports, and cancelling all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Also Read: Karachi’s Water Woes Deepen As Pipeline Repair Delays Expose Infrastructure Crisis

Massive Hydel Push Underway

India is simultaneously ramping up its hydroelectric capacity in the Chenab basin. Four major power projects — Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW) — are under construction in Jammu and Kashmir with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW, aimed at utilizing river resources more effectively.

• Progress so far: Pakal Dul (66%), Kiru (55%), Kwar (19%), Ratle (21%)
• Target completion: 2027–2028
• Annual generation potential: Over 10,500 million units

Meanwhile, maintenance work that will completely halt flow from Kishanganga is reportedly imminent. Both Kishanganga and Ratle projects have faced repeated objections from Pakistan over alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. A joint inspection by a Pakistani delegation and a World Bank-appointed expert occurred in 2024.

Strategic Energy and Water Security Goals

India’s latest moves are aligned with its long-standing vision of harnessing more of its 18,000 MW hydropower potential in Jammu and Kashmir, of which only 23.81% has been realized. A staggering 11,283 MW lies untapped in the Chenab basin alone, officials said.

“We are exploring all possible ways to use our river waters for the benefit of our citizens,” an NHPC official added.

🏷️ Tags:

Indus Waters Treaty, India Pakistan Tensions, Chenab River, Baglihar Dam, Kishanganga Project, NHPC, Jammu and Kashmir Hydropower, Strategic Water Use, Indus River System