India Restricts Chenab River Flow Amid Rising Pakistan Tensions

Water releases through the Chenab River became restricted at the Baglihar and Salal hydro-electric dam facilities within Jammu and Kashmir due to the Indus Waters Treaty suspension by India. The Chenab River belongs to the Indus river system and begins with the union of two rivers named Chandra and Bhaga in Himachal Pradesh before it moves through Jammu and Kashmir until it reaches its junction with the Sutlej River in Pakistan. 

Context:

Chenab River Dispute and Water Restriction:

• Indian authorities restricted Chenab river waters at both Baglihar and Salal hydro-electric facilities in Jammu and Kashmir territory following the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. 

• The Chenab River belongs to the Indus river system before it enters the Pakistani territory.

About Chenab River:

• Origin: Formed by the confluence of two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.

• Flow: From its upstream section as Chandra-Bhaga the watercourse continues as Chenab into the river channel.

• Course: The Jammu region of Kashmir receives water from the river which unites with Sutlej River to stream as Panjnad before ending at Mithankot in Pakistan.

• Tributaries:

  • Right Bank: Marusudar (largest tributary), Miyar Nalla, Bhut Nalla, and Kalnai.

  • Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Lidrar.

• Major Hydroelectric Projects on Chenab River:

  • Salal Hydroelectric Project (at Reasi),

  • Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project (at Ramban),

  • Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Plant (Kishtwar district),

  • Ratle Hydroelectric Plant (Drabshalla in the Kishtwar district).

Conclusion

Under current tensions related to treaty cancellation the administration of Chenab River water flow stands as a major development in India's continuous dispute with Pakistan. The strategic value and economic significance of the Chenab River for both countries demonstrates why this action reveals intricate dimensions of how water management affects relations between nations.