India Halts Chenab River Flow; Salal Dam Gates Closed Following Pahalgam Attack

Authorities closed all the gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab River on Monday following the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to a noticeable drop in water levels in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, water continued to flow downstream from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam in Ramban.

Government Action Receives Public Support

Locals in the region expressed strong support for the government’s action.

Dinesh, a resident, said, “We are happy that the government has stopped the flow of water to Pakistan. After what they did to our tourists in Pahalgam, Pakistan deserves a befitting reply. We support the government’s decision wholeheartedly.”

Another local added, “This is a very big achievement. Our government is responding strongly to Pakistan, and we stand by every step they take.”

BJP Lauds Modi’s Tough Stance

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision in a post on X.

“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. Let that be clear,” he wrote.

Pahalgam Attack: Uttarakhand CM Hails Suspension Of Indus Waters Treaty

On April 28, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a bold and necessary step.

“This is a very good decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Blood and water can’t flow together. Today’s India knows how to maintain both friendship and enmity,” CM Dhami said during an interview with ANI.

The water level in the Chenab River had risen earlier on May 2 due to heavy rainfall in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The government’s action in shutting the Salal Dam gates came soon after, signalling a strategic response to recent developments.

Pahalgam Attack Triggers Stronger Measures

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, considered one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, prompted India to take firm steps against Pakistan.

The attack resulted in the deaths of several Indian tourists and has reignited calls for stricter measures against cross-border terrorism.

Background: The Indus Waters Treaty

After nine years of negotiations, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, with the World Bank acting as a broker and signatory.

Former World Bank President Eugene Black initiated the talks, and the Treaty has since been hailed as one of the most successful international agreements.

It allocates the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. India retains the right to use 20% of the Indus River System’s waters, while Pakistan receives 80%.

In the wake of recent attacks and ongoing tensions, India has placed the Treaty in abeyance.

Officials suggest this move reflects a shift in India’s strategic posture, highlighting a new approach under the ‘Modi Doctrine’ that aims to use all available means to combat terrorism.

Also Read: UNSC To Hold Closed-Door Meeting On India-Pakistan Tensions Following Pahalgam Attack