Drop in Chenab inflows as India weaponises water
High water level threatens the bridge over the Chenab river in Sialkot. The PDMA has issued a red alert to all government agencies and departments to take precautionary measures to avert losses. PHOTO: PPI
A sharp reduction of 91,000 cusecs in water flows from India into the Chenab River has been observed over the past two days, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said on Saturday.
According to the data, the water inflow at the Chenab River's Marala Headworks stood at 98,200 cusecs on May 29. However, it fell drastically to 44,800 cusecs a day later.
By Saturday, the inflow further plunged to just 7,200 cusecs, with no water being discharged downstream. The low levels marked an overall reduction of 91,000 cusecs at Marala Headworks in a matter of two days.
However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Flood Forecasting Division categorised the water flow at Marala Barrage as "normal", noting a continuing downward trend.
It is pertinent to note that this is not the first disruption this month. On May 5, just before a spike in military tensions between the two neighbours, India had virtually halted water releases into Pakistan from the Chenab without issuing any prior notice.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong statement, denouncing India's attempts to weaponise water.
He warned that Pakistan would not tolerate any breach of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) or any actions endangering millions for the sake of narrow political agendas.
"Pakistan would not allow Delhi to cross the red line by holding the IWT in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains," the prime minister said.
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