Pahalgam horror: 13 days later, India begins reservoir clearing at Kashmir dams without informing Pakistan; here¡¯s what we know

India has begun flushing operations at two hydroelectric dams in Kashmir ¡ª Salal and Baglihar in what appears to be the country¡¯s first practical move outside the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This comes weeks after India suspended the decades-old water-sharing pact with Pakistan following a terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people. Two of the three attackers were identified as Pakistani nationals.

What was done at the dams

As per Reuters, the reservoir flushing began on May 1 and lasted three days. This method, carried out by state-run NHPC Ltd and local Jammu and Kashmir authorities, involves nearly emptying reservoirs to push out sediment that builds up over time and reduces power output.

Locals living along the Chenab River confirmed seeing water released from both dams from Thursday to Saturday. This is the first time since their construction in 1987 for Salal and 2008/09 for Baglihar that such an operation has taken place, as the Indus Waters Treaty had previously blocked such work.

India did not inform Pakistan

India did not inform Pakistan about the flushing process. Under the 1960 treaty, downstream countries like Pakistan are generally informed about such operations, especially if they might lead to water inundation. However, sources said this time there was no prior notice.

The Salal dam (690-MW) and Baglihar dam (900-MW) had both been underperforming due to silting. Flushing is expected to improve efficiency and prevent turbine damage.

Pakistan threatens legal action

Pakistan, which relies heavily on rivers flowing from India for irrigation and power, has responded strongly. It denied involvement in the Kashmir attack and warned that any move to block or divert water would be treated as an ¡°act of war.¡± Islamabad has also threatened to take the matter to international courts.

India¡¯s stand after treaty suspension

India¡¯s water minister has vowed that ¡°not a drop¡± of the Indus River will be allowed to reach Pakistan. Officials say that India, now free from treaty restrictions, can pursue projects at will. Still, they admit water flow can't be cut off overnight, as the treaty only allows run-of-the-river hydro plants with limited storage.

PM Modi | Credit: X

Past disputes and future steps

Construction of both Salal and Baglihar had earlier involved long negotiations with Pakistan, which has always feared losing water. India had also been sharing hydrological data and flood warnings as part of the treaty, but these practices may now change.

Former Indian official Kushvinder Vohra said that with the suspension in place, India can move ahead without treaty limitations. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan continue to face legal and diplomatic disputes, including ongoing cases in the Hague related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydro plants.

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