A Pakistani water expert has said that India’s ability to restrict water flow from the Baglihar dam is limited to just a few hours due to its inadequate capacity.

The insight comes amid rising concerns over India’s decision to put Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and the impact on Pakistan’s major water reservoirs and rivers.

India media reported on Monday that India had reduced water flow from Baglihar dam.

Officials in Pakistan confirmed a decline in the flow of the River Chenab was observed. At Head Marala, the water level has dropped significantly to 10,800 cusecs. Just a day earlier, the water inflow at this point was recorded at 87,000 cusecs, highlighting the drastic reduction.

India Officials have reportedly emptied the Baglihar reservoir and closed the dam gates, halting the outflow of water to Pakistan’s Punjab province, India’s CNBC-TV18 reported adding that water will not resume flowing downstream until the reservoir is refilled.

Pakistan’s former Indus Water Commissioner Shiraz Memon commented on the situation, asserting that India cannot hold back water at the Baglihar Dam for more than a few hours due to its limited capacity. He, however, said India may partially restrict water during winter.

Memon said India cannot unilaterally terminate the Indus Waters Treaty.

Memon stressed the need for ongoing awareness regarding India’s water policies and noted that a conflict between Pakistan and India is unlikely given their nuclear capabilities. He urged India to engage in negotiations on water issues.

He also pointed out that the World Bank serves as the guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty, and Pakistan should raise its concerns over India’s repeated violations at an international level.

Pakistan’s major water reservoirs and rivers are facing significant disruptions in inflow and outflow due to India’s water management policies. Fluctuations have been observed at key locations, including Tarbela, Mangla, Chashma, Head Marala, and Nowshera.

At Tarbela, the inflow is recorded at 92,200 cusecs with an outflow of 50,000 cusecs. Mangla shows an inflow of 44,300 cusecs and an outflow of 32,000 cusecs. At Chashma Barrage, the inflow stands at 95,700 cusecs while the outflow is 85,000 cusecs. In contrast, Head Marala has an inflow of only 5,300 cusecs, and Nowshera records both inflow and outflow at 37,100 cusecs.

Water levels are reported at 1,441.26 feet in Tarbela, 1,136.30 feet in Mangla, and 646.70 feet in Chashma.

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