Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: In a significant move following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has shut all gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, causing a notable dip in local water levels. The decision, seen as a strategic response to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism, is part of broader measures undertaken by the Indian government.
Meanwhile, water was observed flowing from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, located upstream on the Chenab River in Ramban.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya hailed the move on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “It takes political will to make tough decisions in India’s interest, and Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated that through his actions. This is the muscular Modi Doctrine, firm and unwavering in its fight against terrorism. Water and the blood of our citizens cannot flow together.”
Locals in Reasi welcomed the move. One resident, Dinesh, said, “We are happy that the government has stopped the flow of water to Pakistan. The way they killed our tourists in Pahalgam, Pakistan deserves a befitting reply.” Another local added, “This is a very big achievement… Our government is giving Pakistan a befitting reply in a lot of ways. We are all with the government.”
The Chenab River, which originates in Himachal Pradesh and flows through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan, saw a rise in water levels earlier on May 2 due to heavy rainfall in the Akhnoor sector.
This development comes amid India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists—one of the deadliest attacks since Pulwama in 2019.
Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the suspension of the treaty a bold move, emphasizing that “Blood and water can’t flow together.” He added, “Today’s India knows how to maintain both friendship and enmity.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank facilitation, allocated the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, while granting limited usage rights to both nations. Though historically hailed as a successful model of cooperation, the treaty has come under strain amid growing tensions between the two countries.
India’s latest action marks a significant policy shift, asserting water as a strategic tool in its diplomatic and security framework.