ISLAMABAD: In violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, India has blocked the flow of water from the Kishanganga Dam into the Neelum River, significantly reducing downstream water levels and depriving Pakistan of its rightful share.
Officials in the Athmuqam area of Azad Kashmir reported that water pressure in the river has dropped by 40 percent at eight different locations, severely affecting the ecosystem and local communities.
According to Athmuqam Police Superintendent, the water pressure in the Neelum River is 40 percent lower than normal at eight locations.
India has already accelerated work on a project to connect the Chenab River with the Beas River and Ravi River in pursuing its plan to deprive Pakistan of its agreed share of water.
Meanwhile, China has significantly accelerated the construction activities of the Mohmand Dam, giving strategic importance to this important project.
Earlier, Pakistan’s military spokesperson had warned that the country would take control of all six rivers flowing from Kashmir if India violates the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
It may be recalled that India “put in abeyance” its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement governing the use of the Indus River system—shortly after 26 civilians were killed in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22, in what India described as a terrorist attack. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident.
The treaty gave the waters of the western rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan and those of the eastern rivers—the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India.
Following the suspension of India’s participation in the treaty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials to fast-track the planning and execution of projects on the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers.
