New Delhi: India halted the flow of water to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is preparing to similarly reduce outflows from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum.
Following a week of consultations and hydrological assessments, India initiated de-silting operations at the Baglihar Dam, lowering sluice gates and cutting water discharge to Pakistan by up to 90%, according to an official from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. Similar steps are being readied for the Kishanganga Dam.
“The gates of the Baglihar hydel power project have been shut. We began the de-silting process on Saturday and will need to refill the reservoir,” said another official on condition of anonymity.
India also escalated its measures by banning the docking of vessels flying the Pakistani flag at all its ports.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani on Sunday criticised the Indian government’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), urging a governance approach rooted in love, not hostility.
Responding to media queries in Delhi, Madani questioned the practicality of blocking river flows. “If someone stops water, let them stop it… These rivers have been flowing for thousands of years — where will you take their water? It’s not easy,” he remarked.
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