India Initiates Monthly Flushing of Chenab Reservoirs Following Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

 With the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) currently in abeyance, the Government of India has taken a significant step in optimizing the operation of its run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River. Following the inaugural flushing exercises at the Baglihar and Salal reservoirs—conducted in early May to remove sedimentation hindering power output—the Central Water Commission (CWC) has recommended institutionalizing this procedure on a monthly basis, 

As initially reported on May 4, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), in coordination with the Jammu & Kashmir administration, undertook sediment flushing at both Salal (690 MW) and Baglihar (900 MW)—the first such operation since their commissioning in 1987 and 2008–09, respectively. These maintenance activities had long been deferred due to Pakistan’s repeated objections under the framework of the IWT.

According to informed sources, the May operation successfully cleared over 7.5 million cubic metres (MCM) of accumulated sediment. A senior official confirmed that the CWC has advised regular monthly flushing for both reservoirs and that a standard operating procedure (SOP) will be formalized shortly.

Flushing involves the controlled release of stored water to dislodge and evacuate sediment—comprising silt, sand, and clay—from reservoir beds. This not only restores reservoir capacity but also enhances turbine efficiency and extends the operational lifespan of hydroelectric plants. However, such activities have historically attracted objections from Pakistan, which argues that flushing alters downstream flows temporarily and affects reservoir recharge cycles.

The government now views routine flushing as a key short-term measure for optimizing water utilization from the Indus system, especially in the wake of the treaty’s suspension. As part of this policy shift, India will no longer share hydrological data with Pakistan nor provide prior notification of sediment flushing activities.

In the medium and long term, the government is poised to expedite several hydroelectric projects previously stalled by procedural objections raised under the treaty. These include the Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW) projects—all situated on the Chenab River. Additionally, India is exploring the possibility of diverting certain Indus flows and initiating new project developments, a senior government official confirmed.

"Under the IWT, India was obligated to notify Pakistan six months in advance for any new project. That requirement is no longer applicable," the official noted.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations, allocated exclusive use of the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) to India, while the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) were designated for Pakistan, with limited usage rights granted to India.

India’s decision to suspend the IWT followed the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, prompting New Delhi to formally notify Islamabad on April 24. In response, Pakistan has now expressed, for the first time, a willingness to engage in dialogue regarding India’s concerns, proposing talks in May. This marks a shift from its previous silence on India’s two earlier notices—in January 2023 and September 2024—seeking a review and modification of the treaty framework.

India has reiterated that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases support for cross-border terrorism.