Authorities Respond to Geopolitical and Safety Challenges After Pahalgam Attack
Following the ghastly terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people, a safety warning was issued for residents near the Chenab River in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir. The alert, prompted by a sudden drop in the river’s water level due to the temporary closure of sluice gates at the Baglihar Dam and Salal Dam, underscores both local safety risks and broader geopolitical implications. This article explains the situation, its causes, and the actions taken.
Sudden Drop in Water Levels Draws Crowds to Chenab River
The Baglihar and Salal Dams, run-of-the-river projects in Ramban and Reasi districts, regulate water flow along the Chenab River. When India shuts dam gates for routine desiltation, the water level downstream drops significantly, sometimes to a near-dry riverbed or below waist level. This unusual sight attracted locals to the riverbank in Akhnoor, unaware of the risks. The temporary closure, while technical, has raised concerns due to its timing after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, fueling speculation about escalating diplomatic measures linked to the Indus Waters Treaty (1960).
Authorities Warn of Imminent Rise in Water Flow
Local police and authorities issued an urgent safety warning, urging people to evacuate the Chenab River area immediately. The sluice gates shut at the dams were set to reopen, which would cause a rapid rise in water levels, posing a danger to those near the riverbed. Officials emphasized that the gate closures were not meant to indefinitely block water but were part of routine maintenance. However, the sudden fluctuations highlight the challenges of managing geo-strategic infrastructure like the Baglihar and Salal Dams, which can affect downstream areas, including Pakistani territories, under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Geopolitical Context and Local Impact
The Pahalgam terror attack has intensified India-Pakistan tensions, with the dam gate closures perceived by some as a symbolic response, though officially tied to routine desiltation. The Indus Waters Treaty, a cornerstone of water-sharing cooperation, is under scrutiny as such actions could be seen as escalating diplomatic measures. For residents in Akhnoor, the immediate concern is safety, as the near-dry riverbed could quickly become hazardous. This situation reflects the delicate balance between managing geo-strategic infrastructure and ensuring public safety while navigating the geopolitical implications of water control in a tense region.
