Before Pakistan Could Recover From Indus Waters Treaty Blow, India Unleashes New Hydropower Project On Chenab River | World News

New Delhi: Pakistan’s unease with India’s water strategy is intensifying. Following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), news of a new Indian hydropower venture on the Chenab River has further increased Islamabad’s concerns. Officials in Pakistan now fear that India’s new move will further increase the difficulties they face.

The Indian government has cleared the way for a strategically important water project in Jammu and Kashmir. A panel under the Ministry of Environment recently conducted the 260-megawatt Dulhasti II project in Kishtwar. Phase 1 hydroelectric project approved. This comes two months after approval was given for the 1,856-megawatt Sawalkot hydropower project in Ramban district on the same river.

Analysts say these approvals will likely add to Pakistan’s growing uneasiness.

The suspension of IWT during Operation Sindoor had already sent a strong signal to Pakistan. Now, India has reinforced that it will not compromise on its water resources interests with the Dulhasti Phase-II project.

Together, these two projects will maximize the use of the Chenab River, one of the great rivers of the west, including the Sindh and Jhelum, whose waters flow largely untapped into Pakistan.

So far, India has been able to tap only a fraction of the estimated 20,000 megawatt potential from hydroelectric power in western rivers in Jammu and Kashmir. The capacity of existing plants, including the 390-megawatt Dulhasti Phase-I, which has been operating successfully since 2007, is only 3,482 megawatts.

Dulhasti Phase-II, at an estimated cost of Rs 3,200 billion, will increase the Phase-I capacity. The project plans to divert water in Phase-I through a separate tunnel to increase energy production.

News of the Chenab hydroelectric project quickly reached Pakistan, sparking harsh reactions in Islamabad. Initially, Islamabad responded with warnings and diplomatic appeals, but these efforts have had little effect so far.

There are also internal debates within Pakistan regarding the consequences of India’s decision. “Using water as a weapon is neither wise nor acceptable,” said Senator Sherry Rehman.

With these approvals, India emphasized its strategic priorities in Jammu and Kashmir and signaled that it intends to fully utilize water resources.

Analysts say this step, along with previous measures such as the suspension of the IWT, sends a message to Pakistan that India is determined to protect its interests and make full use of the rivers under its control.