Reasi—Sections of the Chenab River have begun to dry up after India closed all gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams, significantly reducing the flow of water to Pakistan. This action is part of a series of diplomatic and strategic measures taken by India in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.
India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the usage rights over the rivers of the Indus system, including the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Pakistan relies heavily on these rivers to irrigate a large portion of its farmland.
To prevent ecological damage, authorities have ensured that a limited amount of water continues to be released from a single gate of both the Salal and Baglihar dams. Despite this, the river’s water levels have dropped significantly in several areas.
Local residents in Reasi have expressed strong support for the central government’s decision. “Earlier, the Chenab River used to flow at a height of 25 to 30 feet, but now it’s down to just 1.5 to 2 feet,” said Kalyan Singh, a local villager. “We support PM Modi’s decision. We don’t want a single drop of water to go to Pakistan. We stand with our army and our prime minister.”
However, in Akhnoor, heavy rainfall on May 2 temporarily raised the river’s water level. Authorities issued a warning, urging residents near the river to evacuate as a precaution.
In addition to halting the Indus Waters Treaty, the Indian government has taken several diplomatic steps, including expelling Pakistani Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Attachés from the High Commission in New Delhi. These measures come as part of a broader crackdown on terrorism and a commitment to bringing those responsible for the Pahalgam attack to justice.
