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The recent decision by India to undertake full flushing exercises of the Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River marks a significant departure from the practices followed when the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 was considered binding. This treaty, once a cornerstone of water resource management between India and Pakistan, dictated the terms of water sharing for the rivers of the Indus basin. The Chenab River, originating near the Baralacha Pass in the Himalayas, is a crucial waterway for both nations, eventually joining the Indus River in Pakistan. The flushing exercises, aimed at desilting the reservoirs of these hydroelectric projects, have led to a curtailment of water flow into Pakistan, raising concerns about the implications for water availability and agricultural practices downstream. The decision to proceed with these exercises is a direct consequence of the suspension of the IWT, providing India with greater autonomy over the management of the Western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus). While the official rationale centers on improving the operational efficiency of the hydroelectric assets and increasing power generation, the reduced water flow to Pakistan is an undeniable and consequential byproduct. The geopolitical ramifications of this action are substantial, potentially exacerbating existing tensions between the two countries and raising questions about the future of water resource management in the region. The timing of this decision, coinciding with ongoing disputes and unresolved issues between India and Pakistan, further complicates the situation and underscores the sensitivity surrounding water resources in the Indus basin.
The flushing process itself is a multi-day operation involving the holding back of water to fill the reservoirs to full capacity before releasing it to flush out sediments. These sediments, composed of sand, silt, and clay, accumulate over time, reducing the storage capacity of the reservoirs and affecting the performance of the hydropower plants. Sedimentation is a natural process in river systems, but the construction of dams and reservoirs can accelerate the accumulation of sediment, requiring periodic desilting to maintain operational efficiency. The desilting process is crucial for optimizing power generation and ensuring the long-term viability of the hydroelectric projects. However, the impact of these flushing exercises on downstream water flow must also be considered, particularly in the context of the IWT and the rights of Pakistan to a share of the water resources. The treaty imposed restrictions on India's use of the Western rivers, limiting its ability to store and divert water. The suspension of the IWT has removed these constraints, allowing India to pursue its own water management objectives, even if they may have adverse consequences for Pakistan. The decision to prioritize the flushing of reservoirs reflects a strategic shift in India's approach to water resource management, prioritizing its own energy needs and potentially using water as a leverage tool in its relationship with Pakistan. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the legitimate needs of both countries and ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably and equitably.
In addition to the Salal and Baglihar dams, the Kishanganga project, located on a tributary of the Jhelum River, is slated for desilting in the near future. While the Kishanganga project is relatively new, commissioned in 2018, sedimentation remains a concern, albeit less severe than in older projects like Salal. The Kishanganga project has been a subject of contention between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan raising numerous objections related to water storage, reservoir silt management, and design issues. These objections have been adjudicated through a Court of Arbitration set up by the World Bank, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of water resource disputes in the region. The fact that some objections remain unresolved underscores the challenges in achieving a mutually acceptable resolution to these issues. The frequent flushing of reservoirs, now becoming a routine practice, reflects a broader trend towards increased water management activities in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The significant reduction in water storage capacity in some reservoirs, due to excessive sedimentation, further necessitates these flushing exercises. The Salal project, one of the oldest in the region, has reportedly experienced a significant decline in its storage capacity, highlighting the long-term challenges associated with sedimentation management. The increased frequency of flushing, while intended to improve operational efficiency and power generation, will inevitably lead to more frequent disruptions in water flow to Pakistan, potentially exacerbating existing tensions and creating new challenges for water resource management in the Indus basin.
The official perspective from NHPC Ltd emphasizes the importance of flushing for maintaining the operational efficiency of the hydroelectric projects and increasing power generation. The reduction in water flow to Pakistan is presented as a 'default byproduct' of this process, downplaying the potential impact on downstream users. However, the reality is that water flow regulation to Pakistan is a direct consequence of India's decision to suspend the IWT and prioritize its own water management objectives. The decision to increase the frequency of flushing, while perhaps justifiable from an operational standpoint, raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region and the potential for escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The challenge lies in finding a way to manage water resources in a manner that meets the needs of both countries, while also ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Indus basin. This requires a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation, as well as a willingness to address the underlying issues that contribute to water scarcity and conflict. The current situation underscores the fragility of the IWT and the importance of preserving this mechanism for water resource management. While the suspension of the treaty may provide India with greater flexibility in the short term, it also carries the risk of undermining long-term stability and cooperation in the region. The future of water resource management in the Indus basin will depend on the ability of India and Pakistan to find a way to work together, despite their differences, to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably and equitably for the benefit of all.
The decision by India to proceed with these flushing exercises also raises questions about the role of international law and the principles of equitable water sharing. While the suspension of the IWT may provide a legal justification for India's actions, it does not necessarily absolve it of its responsibility to ensure that its water management practices do not unduly harm downstream users. The principle of equitable utilization of water resources requires that countries sharing a river basin cooperate in good faith to ensure that water resources are used in a manner that is fair and reasonable to all. This principle is enshrined in international law and is widely recognized as a fundamental principle of water resource management. The suspension of the IWT, while perhaps justifiable in the context of strained relations between India and Pakistan, should not be interpreted as a license to disregard the principles of equitable water sharing. India has a responsibility to ensure that its water management practices are consistent with its international obligations and do not unduly harm the interests of Pakistan. This requires a commitment to transparency and consultation, as well as a willingness to address the concerns of Pakistan in a constructive manner. The long-term stability of the Indus basin depends on the ability of India and Pakistan to find a way to manage water resources in a manner that is both equitable and sustainable. This requires a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation, as well as a willingness to address the underlying issues that contribute to water scarcity and conflict. The current situation underscores the importance of strengthening international institutions and mechanisms for water resource management, to ensure that water resources are managed in a manner that is fair and reasonable to all.
Source: Flushing of Salal and Baglihar dams reduces water flow to Pakistan, Kishanganga next