India Quietly Reshapes Kashmir’s Waters, Treaty Suspended, Pakistan on Edge

Karachi – India has initiated sediment-clearing operations at two major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir without formally notifying Pakistan, multiple sources told Reuters. This move comes after New Delhi last month suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir, which India alleges involved Pakistani nationals — a claim denied by Islamabad.

reservoir flushing activities began on May 1 at the Salal and Baglihar dams, both situated on the Chenab River, which flows into Pakistan. The work is being undertaken by India’s state-run NHPC Ltd and local authorities. While the operation does not immediately pose a threat to Pakistan’s water supply, experts warn that continued unilateral actions could impact downstream flows critical for Pakistani agriculture.

Videos shared by locals in Indian-administered Kashmir show fluctuating river levels due to sediment-laden water being discharged. This marks the first such operation since the dams were built in the late 1980s and 2000s. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, such sediment-clearing was previously restricted.

In response to India’s move, Pakistani officials have warned that any attempt to block or divert water would be treated as an “act of war.” However, Indian officials say the suspension of the treaty now gives them the freedom to act without bilateral consultation.

India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and NHPC Ltd did not respond.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has survived decades of conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. However, India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to revisit the terms of the treaty in recent years. The matter is also under review at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.