NEW DELHI, Jun 12: In a significant policy shift following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, India has accelerated efforts to maximise the utilisation of its share of waters under the Indus river system, signalling a tougher stance towards Pakistan after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
The move comes weeks after New Delhi declared that “blood and water cannot flow together,” making it clear that continued support for terrorism by Pakistan would have consequences beyond the diplomatic and security domains.
Government sources said India has initiated measures to enhance the storage and operational efficiency of key hydropower projects on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Salal and Baglihar projects, which have long operated under restrictions imposed by the treaty framework.
Officials said years of accumulated silt in the reservoirs have reduced their storage capacity and affected the efficiency of power generation. While routine desilting and dredging operations were undertaken from time to time, the more effective process of flushing out sediment through low-level dam gates remained constrained under treaty-related provisions.
According to sources, the suspension of the treaty has paved the way for comprehensive reservoir management measures, including large-scale flushing operations aimed at removing decades of accumulated silt from the reservoirs.
The planned exercise is expected to substantially increase water storage capacity, improve the performance of hydroelectric infrastructure and enable more efficient utilisation of river waters for power generation and other developmental purposes.
Experts believe that excessive siltation significantly diminishes reservoir efficiency and reduces their operational lifespan. Removing the accumulated sediment will not only restore lost storage capacity but also improve the overall productivity of the hydropower projects.
The enhanced capacity is expected to provide greater flexibility in water regulation and energy production, allowing India to make fuller use of water resources available within its entitlement.
Officials maintain that the objective is to strengthen water security, improve power generation and support long-term development needs, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and other beneficiary regions.
Beyond its economic and developmental significance, the initiative is also being viewed as a strategic message to Pakistan. New Delhi’s position is that bilateral arrangements cannot remain unaffected if cross-border terrorism continues to be used as an instrument of policy.
The latest measures mark one of the most significant developments in India’s management of the Indus basin in recent years and underscore the government’s intent to utilise national resources more effectively while safeguarding strategic interests.
With work expected to gather pace in the coming months, the move is likely to enhance the operational capabilities of major hydropower projects and contribute to India’s broader goals of energy security, infrastructure development and sustainable water management.
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