Akhnoor, May 2, 2025 – Heavy rainfall has triggered a significant rise in the Chenab River’s water level in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector, raising concerns about potential flooding and prompting local authorities to issue alerts. The surge, observed on Friday, has put villages along the riverbanks on high alert, with officials closely monitoring the situation amid recent geopolitical tensions in the region.
The intense rainfall, driven by a westerly weather system impacting northern India, has swollen the Chenab, a key river under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Social media posts on X noted the rising waters in Akhnoor, a strategically vital area near the Line of Control (LoC). The development follows India’s suspension of the IWT on April 24, 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack, adding a layer of complexity to water management in the region.
The Chenab’s flow has reportedly increased, with downstream data from Sialkot’s Marala dam in Pakistan showing a rise from 22,800 cusecs on April 24 to 26,268 cusecs by April 30. While exact figures for Akhnoor remain unconfirmed, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas and stay vigilant. The heavy rains echo recent extreme weather in nearby Ramban, where flash floods and landslides disrupted the Jammu-Srinagar highway on April 22.
The situation is further complicated by the region’s geopolitical context. India’s IWT suspension has sparked speculation about water flow management, with Pakistan alleging unannounced releases from Indian dams like Baglihar. Indian officials have not commented, and satellite data as of April 25 shows no significant flow alterations. Environmental experts warn that the region’s disaster-prone ecosystem faces risks from both natural and human factors.
In Akhnoor, authorities are working with disaster response teams to prepare for potential flooding. Recent ceasefire violations along the LoC, including in Akhnoor and other sectors on April 30-May 1, have heightened local challenges. Residents have been advised to avoid river-based activities, similar to a rafting ban in Reasi on April 20 due to rising waters. Community leaders are pushing for better flood defenses and early warning systems.
The Chenab’s rising waters highlight the intersection of climate challenges, regional tensions, and community resilience in Jammu and Kashmir. As rainfall persists, sustainable water management and disaster preparedness remain critical to protecting lives and livelihoods along the river.
