Gates of 2 dams opened, Chenab flow to Pak rises

Amid the tensions with Pakistan, India on Sunday opened the gates of Baglihar dam in Ramban and the Salal dam in Reasi in the Jammu region, leading to a rise in the flow of the Chenab to Pakistan.

The action came as the reservoirs of both dams were filled to capacity following rain during the day. The Chenab swelled in Akhnoor, a point from where the river enters Pakistan. India had put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which led to hostilities between the two countries and a war-like situation where several soldiers and civilians lost their lives.

Sources said the gates of the dams were opened only to release pressure on the reservoirs as it wasn’t yet clear whether or not the flow of water to Pakistan was to be brought to the pre-April 22 level.

The sources said the ceasefire between India and Pakistan didn’t seem to have impacted New Delhi’s stand on the Indus Waters Treaty. Things would become clear in the coming days, they said.

The sources in the government had said on Saturday that India’s punitive measures against Pakistan, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, would remain in place.

The clarification came after India and Pakistan worked out an understanding on stopping firing and military actions, ending days of hostilities between their militaries. India’s measures announced against Pakistan on April 23 would remain effective, the sources said, adding terrorism would not go unpunished and India’s resolve on terrorism remained firm.