Conflicts between India and Pakistan have escalated following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and announced its decision to halt the water flow. On the other hand, Pakistan has accused India of releasing water into the Jhelum River without prior notification. This move has been hailed as a “masterstroke” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to sources, Pakistan, which is already facing water shortage and water crisis, is now facing another big challenge. In the current situation, Pakistan itself is struggling with its water management. After the rise in water level, the local administration has imposed a water emergency in Hattian Bala. Alerts are being given from mosques to warn the local people.
India is accused of releasing water from the Jhelum River, which threatens to cause floods in Pakistan. The water entered from Baramulla in North Kashmir and flowed through Chakothi in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Videos have surfaced on social media claiming that water is flowing rapidly in the Jhelum.
If a flood situation arises, it will have a huge impact on Pakistan’s agriculture, which is already in a bad condition. Apart from this, additional expenditure on relief and rescue operations will also put a burden on Pakistan’s weak economy. On one hand, Pakistan is already struggling with economic crisis and internal political instability; on the other hand, the possible flood caused by releasing water can further increase its problems.
The issue of releasing water in the Jhelum has come up at a time when India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty. The Indus Waters Treaty allocates the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus rivers to Pakistan, while India controls the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers. According to the terms of the treaty, India has to inform Pakistan and obtain permission for any dam or project on the rivers allotted to it. Now, after the suspension of the treaty, India has no such obligation.
