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India took action within hours after Pakistan conducted a test of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday. The swift response highlights rising military alertness and strategic signaling in the region.
India has halted the flow of water to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. Authorities have also initiated steps to reduce water runoffs from the Kishanganga hydroelectric project on the Jhelum River.
This action comes as part of India’s firm stance on not allowing a “single drop” of water from the Indus river system to reach Pakistan, reiterating its commitment to fully utilizing its share under the Indus Waters Treaty. Officials have confirmed that these decisions are a part of strategic planning in response to ongoing diplomatic challenges and regional security concerns.
The latest developments are likely to escalate diplomatic discourse between the two countries, as water sharing from the Indus system has long been a sensitive issue in India-Pakistan relations.
India has suspended the six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, a move that follows the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, where dozens of tourists lost their lives. The treaty, a long-standing agreement governing water-sharing between the two countries, had already been under strain due to ongoing disputes.
Amid these tensions, India is also set to initiate large-scale maintenance work on the Kishanganga Dam, its first major hydropower project in the northwestern Himalayas, located in the scenic Gurez Valley. The upcoming maintenance will require a complete halt of water flow downstream during the process.
Pakistan has raised objections to the design of the Kishanganga Dam, as well as other hydropower projects being developed by India under the Indus River system, further intensifying diplomatic friction between the two nations.
New Delhi: In a significant development, India is actively exploring options to maximize the use of its share of river waters from the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which remains in abeyance. A senior government official stated, “Since India has kept the IWT in abeyance, we are exploring all possible ways to utilize our river waters for the benefit of our citizens.”
On Saturday, officials from the Jal Shakti Ministry briefed the Union Home Ministry about a series of planned initiatives aimed at enhancing water supply to northern states through the Indus river system. These measures are part of a broader strategy to assert India’s water rights under the treaty.
According to another official source, India is also preparing to implement stringent punitive steps against Pakistan. As part of this move, nearly 50 engineers from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) have already been deployed in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to supervise key operations on the ground.
This development marks a significant step in India’s evolving strategy to utilize its water resources more effectively amid growing domestic needs and regional geopolitical considerations.
India is making consistent progress on four significant hydroelectric power projects on the Chenab River and its tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects — Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW) — are expected to be commissioned between 2027 and 2028, marking a crucial step toward enhancing the region’s power infrastructure.
The hydel projects are being developed through a joint venture between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC). The collaboration aims to harness the vast hydro potential of the region to meet growing energy demands and support sustainable development.
The foundation stones for these projects were laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
- Pakal Dul on May 19, 2018
- Kiru on February 3, 2019
- Kwar on April 22, 2022
These initiatives underline the government’s commitment to infrastructure growth and clean energy development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major Hydropower Projects in J&K Show Steady Progress, Ratle Expected to Complete by November 2028
In a significant update on Jammu & Kashmir’s ongoing hydropower development, officials have revealed the latest progress figures for key projects in the region. The Pakal Dul project has reached 66% physical completion, while the Kiru project stands at 55%. The Kwar project has achieved 19% progress, and the Ratle project has made 21% headway.
Speaking on the 930 MW Kirthai Hydropower Project, officials said that the necessary clearances are currently in process following a memorandum of understanding signed between the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and NHPC.
For the 850 MW Ratle project, a coffer dam and other pre-dam structures are nearing completion. The project, which saw accelerated progress after 2023, is expected to be completed by November 2028, according to project officials.
These projects are part of a larger push to harness the hydro potential of Jammu & Kashmir and boost energy infrastructure in the region.
Pakistan Delegation, Neutral Expert Inspect Ratle Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir
In a continuing development over the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has reiterated its objections to the design of the Ratle and Kishenganga hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging violations of the treaty’s provisions. In June 2024, a five-member delegation from Pakistan, accompanied by World Bank-appointed neutral expert Michel Lino, conducted an on-site inspection of the Ratle power project located at Drabshalla in Kishtwar district. The visit marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic and technical discussions aimed at resolving the water-sharing dispute under the treaty framework.
Jammu and Kashmir, home to abundant water resources, has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW. Despite this, only about 23.81% of the identified capacity has been harnessed so far.
Among the major hydropower projects in the region, Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle collectively contribute a total installed capacity of 3,014 MW. These projects are expected to generate more than 10,541 million units (MU) of electricity annually, marking a significant boost to the region’s energy infrastructure.
The Chenab basin alone accounts for a massive 11,283 MW of the identified potential, making it the most resource-rich river basin in the Union Territory. In comparison, the Jhelum basin holds an identified potential of 3,084 MW, while the Ravi basin has around 500 MW.
This underutilization highlights the need for accelerated development and investment in hydropower to tap into J&K’s renewable energy potential, ensuring energy security and regional growth.
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