India opened two gates of the Baglihar dam in J&K's Ramban district on Saturday and several gates of the Salal Dam in Reasi on Sunday, causing water levels in the Chenab river to rise. This came after both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, with no mention of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — which India has currently suspended.
According to The Times of India, two gates of the Baglihar dam were kept open from around 8:30 am to 4.30 pm on Saturday to manage rising water levels following heavy rainfall in the region the previous day.
News agency on Sunday morning shared latest visuals from Reasi's Salal Dam after the gates were opened.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India has exclusive rights over the eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, and their tributaries before they enter Pakistan, while Pakistan holds rights over the western rivers — Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.
India had put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has consistently opposed the IWT and said, "We have been saying for a long time that this treaty has to be reviewed," according to the TOI.
In March 2003, the J&K Legislative Council passed a resolution—moved by the NC while in opposition—urging the Union government to re-evaluate the treaty to protect the interests of the then state.
In 2011, as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah demanded compensation from the Centre for the losses J&K had suffered due to the treaty’s provisions. Earlier, in 2010, the J&K government had approved the hiring of a consultant to assess the financial impact the IWT had on the region.
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