ISLAMABAD: The water level in the Chenab River at Marala Headworks has surged after India abruptly released water following a 24-hour halt, raising concerns of potential flooding and prompting local authorities in Pakistan to issue high alerts.
The river, which was nearly dry just hours earlier, suddenly surged to a flow of 28,000 cusecs, according to irrigation authorities.
Experts warned that the abrupt release of water could trigger dangerous flooding, with water levels expected to rise further overnight. In response, local administrations were placed on high alert.
Analysts also pointed out that the unannounced discharge not only increased flood risks for Pakistan but also constituted a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
According to local officials, the water inflow in Chenab has been recorded at 25,382 cusecs at Head Marala, while the outflow has been 15,982 cusecs, officials shared. Yesterday, the water inflow was recorded at 3,177 cusecs at the waterworks.
The district official said that water inflow and outflow at Khanki Headworks recorded 31,770 and 25,270 cusecs, respectively.
The inflow and outflow in Chenab recorded 52,277 and 45,277 respectively at Qadir Abad Headworks, the deputy commissioner said. “Overall, there are 7000 cusecs less water in the river,” Deputy Commissioner Gujarat said.
The district administration has also advised people residing near rivers to remain vigilant. The water flow in Chenab at Marala Headworks yesterday dropped to 5,400 cusecs.
A WAPDA spokesperson reported that at Head Marala on the Chenab River, the water inflow was recorded at 28,300 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 19,100 cusecs.
At Tarbela Dam, the inflow remained steady at 95,300 cusecs, with an outflow of 50,000 cusecs. Similarly, at the Mangla reservoir, the inflow was 43,500 cusecs, and the discharge measured 32,000 cusecs.
Meanwhile, Chashma Barrage received 99,100 cusecs of water, of which 85,000 cusecs were released, the spokesman added.
According to reports India has started filling the Baglihar dam reservoir with water from the Chenab River flowing to Pakistan.
Pahalgam Incident
The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence.
Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations. A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
