Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, May 14, 2025 – All gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on the Chenab River in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, remain closed for the second consecutive day. The closure follows heavy rainfall that led to the opening of the dam’s gates to manage rising water levels and prevent flooding in the region.
The Baglihar Dam, a key hydroelectric power facility with a storage capacity of 428.28 million cubic meters, is central to Jammu and Kashmir’s energy and water management systems. The gate closure aligns with India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, prompted by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people.
On May 8, two gates were opened to release excess water, alongside similar actions at the Salal Dam in Reasi, causing elevated downstream water levels. By May 13, all gates were shut, reducing flow in the Chenab River. In Akhnoor, locals reported crossing the river on foot due to low water levels, while Pakistan noted fluctuations, with flows dipping to 3,100 cusecs on May 12.
The Baglihar Dam, a run-of-the-river project, has long been contentious under the Indus Waters Treaty, which allocates Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus river waters primarily to Pakistan but permits India to develop hydroelectric projects. Pakistan challenged the dam’s design in 2005, seeking World Bank arbitration. India’s suspension of the treaty and plans for four new hydropower projects in Kashmir have intensified India-Pakistan tensions. Posts on X show divided opinions, with some supporting India’s water control measures post-Pahalgam attack, while others warn of flooding risks in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir if gates reopen suddenly.
For Ramban residents, the closure mitigates flooding risks, but authorities are monitoring the Chenab River closely. The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project continues to power Jammu and Kashmir, yet its operations highlight the delicate balance of water management and geopolitics. Communities along the river are advised to remain vigilant, though no immediate threats are reported.
The Baglihar Dam’s closure underscores ongoing challenges in India-Pakistan relations over shared water resources, with the Chenab River at the heart of the dispute. As Jammu and Kashmir advances its hydroelectric ambitions, the region braces for potential diplomatic and environmental repercussions.
