India opens Baglihar dam gates without informing Pakistan in violation of IWT
Jammu : In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian authorities opened the gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Project without prior intimation to Pakistan, in a clear violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, at a time when heavy monsoon rains have already swelled rivers across the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an advisory issued by Additional District Magistrate Ramban stated that the gates of the dam at Chanderkote, Ramban, shall be opened today (August 19) at 10 am for “periodic silt flushing operation” of the Baglihar reservoir.
The advisory said the release of water during the silt flushing operation is “likely to cause a sudden rise in the water level and increase the flow velocity of River Chenab downstream of the Baglihar Dam, posing a potential risk to life and property.
“Residents, fishermen, livestock owners and people living along River Chenab and its tributaries have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and refrain from bathing, swimming, fishing or rafting. The administration also asked people to shift livestock, agricultural equipment and valuables from low-lying areas.
Analysts termed the move a deliberate attempt by BJP-ruled Delhi to damage Pakistan by releasing huge volumes of water without warning, especially when the region is already witnessing heavy monsoons and flood-like conditions downstream. The Indus Waters Treaty obligates India to provide advance information to Pakistan regarding any extraordinary discharges of water from its projects. No such notification was issued prior to today’s opening of gates.
