India has taken steps to curtail the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, according to a report in Indian daily, the Hindustan Times. The source familiar with the matter told PTI that these hydroelectric dams—Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir—offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases.
According to Wikipedia, the Chenab originates high in the Himalayas, flows through Jammu before entering Pakistan’s Punjab region where its waters are used extensively for irrigation. Pakistan government officials have repeatedly warned that any effort by India to reduce the flow of water into Pakistan will be viewed as an act of war, a point reiterated by Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on May 2. He warned that Islamabad would strike if New Delhi built any structure on the Indus River and violated the Indus Waters Treaty. In a TV interview with Geo News, Asif said that building any structure on the Indus River would be seen as “Indian aggression.”
“Certainly, if they attempt to build any structure, we will strike it. Aggression is not just about firing cannons or bullets; it has many faces. One of those faces is (blocking or diverting water), which could lead to deaths due to hunger and thirst.” Asif reiterated, “If they make any architectural attempt, then Pakistan will destroy that structure.”
However, Asif said that for now, Pakistan is heading to the available forums, starting from the Indus Waters Treaty. “We will pursue this matter,” he added.
