On Monday, a rare and unprecedented event occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, when the water levels in the Chenab River at Akhnoor fell below waist level. This phenomenon immediately drew hundreds of curious locals who flocked to the exposed riverbed, intrigued by the now-visible portions of the riverbed. The sight was a stark contrast to the usual high-flowing waters of the river, which had long been a staple feature of the region's landscape. The local reaction was one of both curiosity and concern, as residents waded into the shallow waters, hoping to uncover gold or silver ornaments and old coins that were now visible due to the receding water levels.

Cause Behind the Drop in Water Levels

The drastic drop in the river’s water levels has been attributed to the closure of sluice gates at two key hydroelectric dams: the Baglihar Dam and the Salal Dam, both of which are located in Jammu and Kashmir. These dams, which are important components of India’s water management system, saw the sluice gates shut as part of a routine desiltation operation carried out over the weekend. The operation was intended to refill the reservoirs in preparation for the coming months. As the sluice gates remained closed, water flow into the Chenab River was temporarily reduced, leading to the exposure of the riverbed.

While these operational actions are normal during this time of year, the situation took on a new dimension given the political and diplomatic context surrounding the region. The Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water usage in the Indus river system shared by India and Pakistan, has been a focal point of tension. In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India’s government announced its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. This decision is seen as part of India’s escalating diplomatic and strategic moves against Pakistan, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and terrorist activities in the region.

Political Implications of Water Flow Regulation

Both the Baglihar and Salal dams are run-of-the-river projects, which means that while they regulate water flow, they do not have the ability to completely block water discharge into Pakistan. The dams were constructed after Pakistan raised concerns about their potential impact on water flow, leading to World Bank intervention and an eventual compromise on the dam height and pondage capacity.

Given the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, these dams have become central to India’s water management strategy. In fact, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has provided the Indian government with increased leverage to use water flow regulation as a tool in its broader geopolitical strategies. By controlling the flow of water, India can create flood and drought cycles in Pakistan, thus putting additional pressure on its neighbor. This action is viewed by some as a deliberate strategy to force Pakistan to rethink its actions and its response to India’s security concerns, especially in the aftermath of terrorist incidents.

Safety Concerns and Police Intervention

As the water levels in the Chenab River began to rise again, following the gradual reopening of sluice gates at the Baglihar reservoir, local authorities were forced to intervene to ensure public safety. Jammu and Kashmir Police were dispatched to the scene to disperse the crowds that had gathered on the riverbed. Using public address systems, the police warned locals of the imminent surge in water due to rainfall in the upstream catchment areas, which could lead to a sudden increase in the river’s flow. Many of the curious individuals who had ventured onto the riverbed to search for valuables were urged to leave for their safety.

The situation was further exacerbated by the local sentiment that viewed the drop in water levels as part of a calculated political move. As quoted by Ankur Sharma, a local resident, the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty gave India a chance to create flood-and-drought cycles that could force Pakistan to reconsider its actions in the future. The sentiment reflects the broader view that the water conflict between India and Pakistan has now entered a new phase, where strategic use of water resources is becoming a critical aspect of national security.

Conclusion

The incident in Jammu and Kashmir is an important reminder of how water resources are not just a matter of local infrastructure but also deeply intertwined with international relations. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of sluice gates, and the drop in water levels in the Chenab River are all part of a broader geopolitical context that is unfolding between India and Pakistan. While the local population was initially curious and engaged in riverbed exploration, the intervention by the police shows the inherent risks associated with these sudden changes in water flow, particularly in an area where water scarcity and flood risks are linked to larger political dynamics. The situation continues to evolve, with authorities and residents alike watching closely for the next developments.

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