𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐲, 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

Ramban, May 13 – All gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district have been closed, officials confirmed Tuesday. This comes days after two gates were temporarily opened on May 8 due to heavy rainfall, which raised flood concerns.

India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The move is part of several strong measures taken by India to send a message to Pakistan over its continued support for cross-border terrorism.

The Indus basin, which includes the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, is mainly shared between India and Pakistan. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, India holds exclusive rights to use the waters of the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while Pakistan has access to the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), with India allowed limited usage under specified conditions.

India has utilized its share through various major infrastructure projects like the Bhakra Dam (Sutlej), Pong and Pandoh Dams (Beas), and Ranjitsagar Dam (Ravi), along with links such as Beas-Sutlej and the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently alluded to the treaty, stating that India’s water must be used for national development and will no longer flow unchecked beyond its borders. In a national address tied to Operation Sindoor—India’s military offensive targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK—PM Modi reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism.

He warned that Pakistan’s support for terrorism would lead to its own downfall, emphasizing, “Terror and talks cannot go together… Water and blood cannot flow together.” PM Modi reiterated that India maintains zero tolerance toward terrorism, calling it essential for a better, safer world.