Pakistan has raised serious concerns over India’s accelerating plans to divert the Chenab River, a key source of water under the Indus Waters Treaty. According to water expert Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi, India’s actions threaten Pakistan’s water security and violate the spirit of the historic treaty.
Chenab-Beas Diversion Via Jaspa Dam
The Chenab, which flows through Himachal Pradesh for only 130 kilometers, is part of a 61,000 square kilometer basin. Despite this short stretch, India is constructing 49 hydropower projects along it. Experts warn this development poses ecological risks and could disrupt the natural flow of one of South Asia’s least-altered rivers.
Advanced Tunneling Technology Raises Stakes
India has previously completed significant tunneling projects, including the 9.7-kilometer Bagru Nalla tunnel and the 14.2-kilometer Zoji La tunnel. Abbasi cautions that this proven expertise could now be used to expedite the Chenab water diversion, intensifying fears in Pakistan over water theft.
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Violation of Indus Waters Treaty
Abbasi stressed that diverting the Chenab’s flow would violate the Indus Waters Treaty, which guarantees Pakistan’s rights over the western rivers, including the Chenab. He called on the Pakistani government to initiate immediate diplomatic protests and pursue legal remedies at international forums.
Strategic Concerns Over Water Conflict
With India already storing and diverting significant water volumes through other river projects, the Chenab tunnel plan is viewed in Pakistan as a strategic threat. The project has the potential to alter downstream water availability, impacting agriculture and livelihoods in Pakistan’s heartland.
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