New Delhi (TDI): India has begun work to boost reservoir holding capacity at two hydroelectric projects in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Reuters reported, after it suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in a fresh tension with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.
The work represents the first tangible measure by New Delhi to operate outside the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, unbroken since 1960 despite three wars and several other conflicts between the two countries.
India suspended the treaty last week, that ensures supply to 80 percent of Pakistani farms after the attack in Pahalgam. New Delhi falsely accused Islamabad of behind the attack, while Pakistan vehemently rejected the accusation and offered its cooperation in a neutral and transparent probe.
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Pakistan has also threatened international legal action over the suspension of the treaty, warning, “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan will be deemed as an act of war”.
A “reservoir flushing” process to remove sediment started on Thursday, carried out by Indian biggest hydropower firm, state-run NHPC Ltd, and authorities in IIOJK, according to Reuters.
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The work may not immediately threaten supply to Pakistan, but it could eventually be affected if other similar projects launched.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
