India Stops and Then Releases Chenab River Water — A Clear Message to Pakistan

Hemani Kandhari 

May 5  – Today in a strong and symbolic step, India first stopped the flow of the Chenab River using the Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric dams, and then released the water suddenly after a few hours. This happened just days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people.

The Indian government has taken five major diplomatic steps against Pakistan in response to the attack. One of the biggest steps was to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, arranged and negotiated by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries. The treaty divided the waters of six rivers – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, Indus and Chenab – flowing from the Indus river basin, between India and Pakistan.

As a result, today the water of the Chenab River was stopped, and the effects were seen immediately.

People living near the Chenab were surprised to see the river at its lowest level ever. For the first time, people could walk from one side of the river to the other.

“We have seen floods many times, but never such low water. This water goes to Pakistan’s fields to grow crops. India is giving a warning,” said Sham Lal, a local resident.

Om Prakash Sharma, another local, said, “I am 63 and have never seen the river like this. But this is not enough. How long will you stop the water — two days, four days? We need strong and permanent action to end terrorism from the root.”

Soon, JK Police officials reached the spot and asked people to move back, warning that the water level would rise soon. Within minutes, water was released from the dam, and the calm riverbed turned into a fast-flowing river again.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as something they would never forget – the river almost disappeared and then came back with full force.

Experts say this is not just a reaction, but part of a larger geopolitical strategy. The Baglihar Dam has earlier been a reason for tension between India and Pakistan. But this time, the timing is important. Just days after the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s actions are being seen as a clear message.

India is telling Pakistan that it must stop supporting terrorism and take serious action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

The message is simple: Terrorism will not be tolerated, and India is ready to use every option — even water — to protect its people.