After a 24-hour halt, India has abruptly released water into the Chenab River, causing a rapid surge in water levels at Head Marala, reaching up to 28,000 cusecs. The development has triggered concerns of potential flooding, with local authorities placed on high alert.

According to the Punjab Irrigation Department, the sudden release of water by India could create a dangerous situation, with further rise in water levels expected tonight. Just hours earlier, the riverbed appeared nearly dry, but the abrupt flow has drastically changed the scenario.

Experts warn that such unpredictable actions not only violate the Indus Waters Treaty but also pose a serious flood threat to Pakistan. In response, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has decided to closely monitor the flow and discharge data of the Chenab River to address any emergency promptly.

This move comes in the wake of India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack, which it has blamed on Pakistan. Indian media earlier reported that water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab had been halted. Reports also suggest that similar actions are being planned for the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River.

Pakistan to serve legal notice on India over suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

According to India’s CNBC-TV18, the Baglihar Dam was first completely emptied, its gates shut, and water will not be released again until the reservoir is refilled, raising alarms in Pakistan over the geopolitical use of water as a weapon.