India advances hydro projects amid suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: Report reveals

India starts work on hydro projects after suspending Indus Water treaty with Pakistan

Amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan, India has launched efforts to expand the reservoir capacity of two hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to a report by Reuters.

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of the 1960s following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, a treaty that had remained intact despite three wars and numerous conflicts between India and Pakistan in the past.

Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack and has threatened legal action, warning that any move to block or redirect water flows allocated to Pakistan would be regarded as an act of war.

India initiates strategic reservoir flushing

"India did not inform Pakistan about the work at the Salal and Baglihar projects, which is being done for the first time since they were built in 1987 and 2008/09, respectively, as the treaty had blocked such work," the sources told Reuters.

The process, aimed at clearing sediment buildup, began on Thursday and is being led by the country’s largest hydropower producer, NHPC Ltd, along with local authorities, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Residents along the Chenab River in the Jammu Kashmir reported observing water being discharged from the Salal and Baglihar dams between Thursday and Saturday.

"This is the first time such an exercise has taken place and will help in more efficient power generation and prevent damage to turbines," one of the sources told Reuters.

"We were also asked to open the adjustable gates for cleaning, which we did from May 1," the source said, adding that the effort aimed to free dam operation from any restrictions.

While the move does not pose an immediate threat to Pakistan’s water supply—heavily reliant on rivers flowing from India for agriculture and energy—it could have future implications if similar operations are launched at other regional projects. Currently, over half a dozen such hydro facilities exist in the Himalayan territory.

Sources revealed to Reuters that India did not notify Pakistan about the flushing activity, which had previously been restricted under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty. The decision to proceed without consultation has raised concerns, especially amid the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Neither NHPC nor the local governments have responded to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

"Flushing is not a common thing because it leads to a lot of water wastage," said one of the sources. "Downstream countries are expected to be informed in case it leads to any inundation."

Flushing operations at hydropower projects involve lowering reservoir levels significantly to expel accumulated sediment, which is a major factor in reduced power generation.

According to two sources, the 690-MW Salal plant has been operating well below its designed capacity due to restrictions on sediment removal, while similar silt buildup has affected the efficiency of the 900-MW Baglihar plant as well.

(With Reuters inputs)