Chenab River

Heavy rains in Indian-occupied Kashmir and Punjab are expected to cause a significant surge in the Chenab River's water level, potentially reaching high-flood levels. The Pakistan Meteorological Department's Flood Forecasting Division warns of high flood risks in the Chenab, Jhelum, and other rivers, along with flash and urban flooding in multiple regions.

The Chenab River surged to 180,000 cusecs due to floods in Indian-occupied Kashmir, causing at least 11 deaths and prompting flood warnings for Chenab and Ravi rivers. A landslide in Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Kotli district killed a woman and two children, while the Flood Forecasting Division warned of increased flows from heavy monsoon rains and westerly waves.

India is accelerating construction of multiple hydro projects on the Chenab River, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, Ratle, and Sawalkote, with tenders issued to firms like Afcon Infrastructure and Bharat Heavy Electricals. Legal debates question whether Pakistan could target these dams under international law if they are deemed military tools, citing India's water minister's statement denying water flow to Pakistan and the suspended Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged the UN Security Council to address India's alleged 'brazen violations' of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing two illegal infrastructure projects on the Chenab River that threaten Pakistan's water security and regional stability. The letter warns of India's attempts to alter the treaty-governed flow of western rivers, with implications for international peace.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar accused India of constructing at least 17 water projects to alter the Indus river system, labeling them as tools for 'hydro-hegemony'. He criticized India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and highlighted concerns over illegal actions including reservoir creation and river diversion projects.

Pakistan's 2026-27 budget proposes Rs179 billion for water and hydropower projects, far below the estimated Rs500 billion needed to avoid delays in major dams like Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu. Officials warn insufficient funding risks progress on critical infrastructure, which is vital for addressing water scarcity, climate change, and energy costs.

Pakistan accuses India of weaponizing water through infrastructure projects on the Chenab River, including a tunnel to divert water to the Beas basin in Himachal Pradesh and a sediment project. The article highlights the impact of water disputes on South Asia's peace.