Introduction: Baglihar Dam and Recent Developments

In April 2025, after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India curtailed the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, significantly reducing water supply to Pakistan. This move followed escalating tensions between the two nations.

Baglihar Dam: Construction and Capacity

Location: Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Construction Initiated: 1999; First phase completed in 2008, second phase in 2015

Type: Gravity dam; run-of-the-river hydroelectric project

Height: 143 meters; Length: 317 meters

Reservoir Capacity: 475 million cubic meters

Power Generation Capacity: 900 MW (450 MW per phase)

Pakistan's Objections and World Bank Mediation

Pakistan has raised concerns over the Baglihar project, alleging violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. In 2005, Pakistan sought World Bank arbitration. In 2007, neutral expert Professor Raymond Lafitte recommended reducing the dam's height by 1.5 meters and decreasing its storage capacity by 13.5%, which India accepted.

Recent Developments: Reduction in Water Flow

Gate Closure: India closed the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams, leading to a significant decrease in water flow to Pakistan.

Impact: The flow of the Chenab River into Pakistan dropped from 29,000 cusecs to 11,000 cusecs, affecting irrigation and agriculture in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

Indus Waters Treaty: Signed in 1960, it allocated the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.

Run-of-the-River Project: Utilizes the natural flow of the river without large reservoirs for power generation.

Power Generation: The Baglihar project contributes significantly to Jammu & Kashmir's electricity supply.

Geopolitical Importance: Control over water resources has become a strategic tool in India-Pakistan relations.

Conclusion: Importance for Competitive Exams

The developments surrounding the Baglihar Dam and the Indus Waters Treaty are crucial for aspirants of UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams, particularly in topics related to international relations, environmental studies, and geopolitics. Understanding these issues aids in comprehending current affairs and their broader implications.

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