New Delhi: In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India in its escalating response reduced the flow of water of rivers flowing into Pakistan. Notably after the terror attack, New Delhi announced a series of diplomatic sanctions against Islamabad, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. After India's move, panic gripped Pakistan.
Pakistan's Indus River System Authority (IRSA) advisory committee on Monday expressed deep concern over a sudden decrease in River Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India As per IRSA, India's move may result in a 21 per cent water shortage in Pakistan during the early Kharif season.
IRSA Advisory Committee meeting was held to approve the Anticipated Water Availability Criteria for the balance period of Kharif from May to September 2025 under the Chairmanship of Sahibzada Muhammad Shabir, Chairman IRSA at the authority's HQS Islamabad.
"Indus River System Authority Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed the water situation for the remaining months of "Early Kharif" (May - Jun 10) Late Kharif (Jun 11 - Sep) season. It was noted with concern unanimously that sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India would result in more shortages in Early Kharif Season," the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) stated in a press release.
Pakistan may face a significant water shortage during the Kharif season due to reduced water supplies from India.
"IAC declared an overall shortage of 21 per cent for the remaining Early Kharif Season in case supplies in River Chenab remain normal. However, the situation would be monitored daily and if the decrease continues in "River Chenab", the shortages would be revisited accordingly. The Late Kharif Shortages are expected to be 7 per cent," it added.
India closed the gates of two dams to restrict the Chenab River's flow:
Earlier, the water level in the Chenab River witnessed a significant drop in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, after the closure of gates at the Baglihar and Salal Dams.
Gates Of Salal Dam Closed:
On Monday, India closed the gates of the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district restricting the flow of the Chenab river flowing into Pakistan. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, India also closed the gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on the Chenab River.
Gates Of Baglihar Dam Closed:
Locals expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, which they believe has led to the decrease in water levels.
"This is a very good step taken by India to teach them (Pakistan) a lesson...they took the lives of 26 innocent people. They (Pakistan) should understand now," J&K local said.
"Bad days are coming for Pakistan because they are not understanding what they are doing...you (Pakistan) going in the path of destruction...it seems like they need to be taught a lesson again...if they continue like this, war will happen. How much will India tolerate? This step taken by India is a beginning," another local told ANI.
On April 22, five to six terrorists opened fire at tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam. A total of 26 people, including a local pony ride operator were killed in the attack.
