Key Highlights
- Hydroelectric development near Pahalgam on the Jhelum has triggered diplomatic protests.
- Pakistan argues the project may violate the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
- India maintains the scheme is a run‑of‑the‑river project that complies with treaty limits.
- Environmental groups warn that expanding hydropower could harm river health in Kashmir.
Detailed Insights
Background: The Jhelum, a vital tributary of the Indus, courses through sensitive regions such as Pahalgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar. A small hydroelectric plant near Pahalgam has become a flashpoint, with Pakistan demanding a review under the Permanent Indus Commission while India insists on proceeding to support local agriculture and power needs.
Recent Developments: Minor skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Uri sectors have intensified tensions. Pakistan calls for a halt to new projects until treaty compliance is verified, whereas India stresses the importance of run‑of‑the‑river schemes that do not store water.
Tributary Overview: The Indus basin is fed by five major rivers—Chenab, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Jhelum—each originating in the Himalayas and flowing through both India and Pakistan. These rivers are indispensable for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric generation across three countries.
Hydropower Landscape: India’s Jhelum hosts the Uri Hydroelectric Project (480 MW) and the Lower Jhelum scheme (105 MW). Pakistan’s Mangla Dam, with a capacity exceeding 1,000 MW, and the Neelum‑Jhelum plant (969 MW) are the largest installations on the river. Other tributaries feature significant projects such as the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab (900 MW) and the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej (1,325 MW).
Environmental Concerns: The rapid increase in hydropower projects has raised alarms about riverine ecosystems, sediment transport, and downstream water availability, prompting calls for comprehensive environmental assessments.