India sends strong warning to Pakistan by halting water flow from Baglihar dam

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken a significant diplomatic step by temporarily halting the flow of water through the Baglihar dam on the Chenab river, a move seen as a direct warning to Pakistan. The center is reportedly planning similar action regarding the Kishanganga dam near Bandipore.

Also read: UNSC to hold closed-door talks on India-Pakistan tensions in a while

The Baglihar dam, a run-of-the-river project, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district is designed under the Indus Waters Treaty, which limits India to non-consumptive use of western rivers like the Chenab. Although India briefly stopped the flow, the dam’s storage capacity is limited and requires release once full, making this a short-term action.

Pakistan, which is entitled to unrestricted use of the Chenab, had earlier raised objections to both the Baglihar and Kishanganga projects, fearing that India’s infrastructure would give it an edge in times of conflict. While the World Bank partially upheld some of Pakistan’s concerns, it cleared major aspects of both projects, including the dam height and water diversion rights.

Amid rising tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terror attack, calling it an assault on India’s soul and vowed harsh punishment for the perpetrators. Pakistan, meanwhile, has warned that any deliberate stoppage of water could be seen as an act of war and could lead to suspension of all bilateral agreements.