Big Move on Indus Water: The Government of India is set to fast-track stalled projects under the Indus Waters Treaty. All projects related to the Indus Basin will soon receive approval. The government also plans to divert the flow of water from western rivers and build reservoirs to better manage these resources.

Indus Water: After Pahalgam Attack, Modi Government Revives Strategic Indus Water Plan

New Delhi: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Modi government is breathing life into a plan that had long been on hold — accelerating projects under the Indus Waters Treaty. All projects related to the Indus River Basin are now being fast-tracked, with quick environmental approvals and a streamlined single-window clearance system in the works. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has stated that his ministry is fully prepared to support these projects at high speed.

A Game Changer in the Making

The government’s renewed focus is set to bring significant changes on the ground. Every stalled project linked to the Indus Basin will now move forward, tightening India’s grip on its rightful share of river resources — a shift that could leave Pakistan with dwindling water supplies in the long run.

Untapped Hydropower Potential

Studies reveal that India has only tapped a fraction of the hydropower potential in the Indus Basin. Out of a possible 20,000 MW, India currently utilizes just 3,482 MW from the three western rivers — Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus — under the treaty. This means that over 16,000 MW of clean energy potential remains unexplored due to past delays and restrictions.

Treaty Allowed Use, But Pakistan Blocked Progress

Though the Indus Waters Treaty allows India to develop “Run-of-the-River” (RoR) projects on the western rivers, the complex rules and constant objections from Pakistan made it difficult to move forward. RoR projects allow electricity generation without altering the natural flow significantly. Still, even within the permitted boundaries, Pakistan consistently raised objections, delaying or stalling multiple Indian ventures.

Major Water Diversion and Reservoir Projects in Pipeline

Now, with the government taking a more assertive stance, India is moving beyond just RoR projects. It plans to divert water flow on a large scale and build significant dams and reservoirs for storage — steps that were earlier off the table. The government has already hinted at initiatives to desilt rivers and enhance local water storage capacity. The next steps include raising the height of existing dams, constructing new reservoirs, and redirecting river streams where necessary.

135 Million Acre-Feet of Water at Stake

Currently, India has the capacity to store only 3.6 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from western rivers, while a staggering 135 MAF flows into Pakistan unchecked. This is set to change. The government aims to maximize storage and utilize this water for its own states and people. Key projects under this push include:

• Uri Dam on Jhelum
• Dul Hasti, Salal, and Baglihar Dams on Chenab
• Nimoo Bazgo and Chutak Dams on Indus
• Kishanganga, Ratle, Pakal Dul, and Tulbul Projects

Upgrades to these structures will include desilting, increasing storage capacity, and redirecting water flow.

Pakistan’s Objections Losing Relevance

With changing geopolitical dynamics and the government’s strategic shift, Pakistan’s past objections are no longer holding weight. This gives India the green light to move forward without external pressure, focusing on national interest, energy generation, and water security.

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