The Chenab River water level has surged dramatically at Marala Headworks, raising concerns of potential flooding and fueling tensions with neighboring India. Officials reported a sharp increase in inflow to 25,382 cusecs on Tuesday, compared to just 3,177 cusecs the day before. Outflow remained lower at 15,982 cusecs, prompting local authorities to issue warnings to nearby communities.
Rapid Rise Across Headworks
At Qadir Abad Headworks, water inflow reached 52,277 cusecs, with outflow at 45,277 cusecs. Similarly, Khanki Headworks recorded an inflow of 31,770 cusecs and an outflow of 25,270 cusecs. Officials highlighted a consistent shortfall of about 7,000 cusecs across these points.
Meanwhile, WAPDA confirmed updated figures, stating Marala Headworks had an inflow of 28,300 cusecs and an outflow of 19,100 cusecs. At Tarbela Dam, water inflow stood at 95,300 cusecs with 50,000 cusecs being released. Mangla Dam saw an inflow of 43,500 cusecs and an outflow of 32,000.
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Indian Dams Raise Alarm
Tensions have escalated after reports emerged that India has begun filling the Baglihar Dam using water from the Chenab River. Indian sources claim this could reduce the water flow to Pakistan by up to 90 percent. Similar actions are reportedly underway at the Kishanganga project, impacting the Jhelum River.
Indian media, including the Hindustan Times, reported that New Delhi is expanding storage capacity at multiple hydroelectric sites in Kashmir. These moves come after India unilaterally suspended parts of the Indus Waters Treaty — a longstanding agreement in place since 1960.
Pakistan’s Response and Warning
Islamabad has responded strongly, calling India’s actions a treaty violation and a threat to regional peace. Officials warned that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s rightful share of water would be viewed as “an act of war.”
As tensions mount and river levels rise, authorities have urged residents near riverbanks to remain alert. Cross-border water disputes are now combining with environmental risks, setting the stage for a critical regional challenge.
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