Baglihar and Kishanganga dams

India reported to have restricted water flow through the Baglihar and potentially Kishanganga dams following the suspension of Indus Water Treaty.

Key Context:

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• Signed in 1960, brokered by the World Bank.
• Allocated:
  • Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
  • Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, with India allowed limited use (non-consumptive, e.g., hydroelectricity).

Baglihar Dam (Chenab River):

• Located in Jammu’s Ramban district.
• Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project.
• Long contested by Pakistan, which argued it violated IWT’s provisions.
• World Bank allowed it in 2007 with minor modifications.

Kishanganga Dam (Jhelum River/Neelum tributary):

• In North Kashmir.
• Diverts water from the Neelum (Kishanganga) to the Jhelum for hydropower.
• Faced international arbitration; the court allowed the dam but restricted India’s water storage capacity to ensure downstream flow into Pakistan.