Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Context
The river in Akhnoor reached its normal level between 19-20 ft after water was released from dams. This release followed India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. The treaty's suspension came after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with existing concerns in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) about the treaty limiting India’s water resource utilization.
- In 2002, J&K's Legislative Assembly passed a resolution for the treaty's termination.
- In 2011, a consultant was appointed by the National Conference government to assess J&K's losses due to the treaty.
Narratives from Pakistan
Pakistan maintains that India aims to deprive it of Indus system waters by constructing upstream dams.
Large Dams in J&K
As of September 2023, J&K hosts 15 large dams, defined by the National Dam Safety Authority based on height and other criteria like reservoir capacity and flood discharge.
Key Dams on Chenab River
- Salal (rockfill dam)
- Aalal (concrete dam)
- Baglihar
- Dul
IWT and Chenab River
The Chenab is one of the "Western Rivers" controlled by Pakistan under IWT, allowing India limited use for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes.
- India can withdraw specific cusecs for Ranbir and Pratap Canals.
- Allowed to build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects.
Baglihar Project
Located in Ramban, it has a height of 143 meters, gross storage of 428.28 MCM, live storage of 31.11 MCM, and an installed capacity of 450 MW.
Salal Project
With a height of 81.38 meters and managed by NHPC Limited, it has a gross capacity of 284.1 MCM and live storage of 271.3 MCM. Installed capacity stands at 690 MW across stages commissioned between 1987-1995.
