Indus Water Flow to Pakistan Halted as India Invites Tenders for Hydro Project in Jammu and Kashmir

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In a significant move that has raised geopolitical and regional concerns, India has officially halted the flow of water from the Indus River to Pakistan. This decision follows the Indian government’s announcement of inviting tenders for a new hydroelectric power project in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a region at the heart of longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision to stop water flow to Pakistan is seen as a strategic response to the growing demands for greater control over shared river resources, particularly in the wake of continued cross-border issues.

The move, which was made public on Tuesday, is directly related to the government’s plans to develop the Chenab River and its tributaries through the new hydroelectric project in J&K. The project, which aims to harness the full potential of the river for energy production, is part of India’s broader initiative to enhance infrastructure in the region, promote economic development, and strengthen energy security.

This hydroelectric project will focus on the construction of dams, power stations, and related infrastructure along the Indus basin, which is shared by both India and Pakistan under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960. The treaty gives Pakistan rights over the waters of the western rivers, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum, while India controls the eastern rivers, including the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej. However, the recent tensions have raised questions about the viability of the IWT, with critics arguing that Pakistan’s mismanagement and misuse of the river resources have exacerbated the situation.

According to sources in the Indian Ministry of Water Resources, the decision to stop the flow of water was made after extensive consultations and is in line with India’s long-term national interests, including boosting its energy production capabilities. The new hydroelectric project will have a total capacity of over 1,000 MW and is expected to meet the growing power demands of the region, significantly benefiting local communities and industries in J&K.

The halt in the Indus water flow to Pakistan has already attracted international attention, with Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressing concern over the matter. The government in Islamabad has called the move a violation of the IWT and is seeking diplomatic intervention through international bodies.

Experts argue that while the decision is likely to have economic and environmental consequences, it could also serve as leverage for India in future water-sharing negotiations with Pakistan. “India’s control over the Indus waters is a critical strategic asset, and this move could push Pakistan to engage in more constructive dialogue over river resource management,” said Dr. Anil Sharma, a water policy expert.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how Pakistan responds to the move and whether it will lead to further tensions or a renewed focus on diplomatic talks.