India Initiates Dam Work in Kashmir After Halting Water Treaty with Pakistan
India has begun increasing reservoir capacity at two hydroelectric plants in the India-administered region of Kashmir, sources told Reuters, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The escalation comes after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. India has suggested cross-border involvement without presenting evidence, while Pakistan has strongly refuted the claims and called for an impartial investigation.
According to three informed sources, “reservoir flushing” began on Thursday to clear sediment buildup. The procedure, being carried out by India’s largest hydropower company NHPC along with local authorities, is taking place at the Salal and Baglihar hydropower projects.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that this marks the first such operation since the two facilities became operational in 1987 and 2008–09 respectively. The flushing activity reportedly lasted from May 1 to May 3.
India did not notify Pakistan about the move—a requirement under the Indus Waters Treaty, which previously blocked such operations. Locals living along the Chenab River noticed a significant release of water from both dams during this period.
Though the immediate impact on Pakistan’s water supply may be limited, experts say more such projects could eventually reduce flows downstream, affecting irrigation and power generation in Pakistan, which relies heavily on rivers originating in India.
The Press Trust of India also released a video confirming that water flow from the Baglihar Dam was restricted.
Reservoir flushing requires significantly reducing water levels to remove sediment, which otherwise clogs turbines and reduces electricity generation. One source noted the 690-megawatt Salal project is underperforming due to sediment buildup, with similar issues affecting the 900-megawatt Baglihar plant.
“This isn’t a routine process—it leads to water wastage and downstream countries are usually informed in advance,” said one of the sources. Under the 1960 treaty, India was required to share river data and flood alerts with Pakistan.
With the treaty on hold, officials in India say they now have greater freedom to proceed with hydro projects. Kushvinder Vohra, a former chief of India’s Central Water Commission involved in Indus negotiations, said India now has the liberty to move forward “at our own discretion.”
Indian Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently stated that India will ensure “not a drop” of Indus water reaches Pakistan.
Although India cannot immediately cut off river flows—since the treaty permits only run-of-the-river hydropower projects—it has sought to renegotiate treaty terms. Talks over disputes involving the Kishenganga and Ratle dams are ongoing at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
