India has begun preparations that could strategically limit Pakistan’s access to water. The government is fast-tracking four major hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River. Once completed, these projects are expected to not only boost India’s water and power resources but also provide a strategic advantage over Pakistan.
Indus Waters Treaty in Focus
Islamabad may soon face acute water shortages, as India pushes ahead with large-scale hydro projects. The Pakal Dul and Kiru projects are slated for completion by December 2026, according to official directives. Additionally, construction on the Ratle Dam has also been accelerated.
Pakistan’s Dependence on Chenab
These dams will significantly increase India’s electricity generation while giving it control over river flows. The Chenab is part of the Indus Basin, which forms the lifeline of Pakistan. Approximately three-quarters of Pakistan’s water comes from rivers flowing from India, with over 90% of its agriculture relying on this basin. Most of the country’s irrigation networks are centered around these rivers, meaning that nine out of ten Pakistanis depend on water originating in Indian territory.
Strategic and Economic Gains for India
Among the projects, the Pakal Dul Hydropower Project in Kishtwar is the most significant. With a capacity of 1,000 MW, it is the largest project in the Chenab Basin and India’s tallest dam at 167 meters. Crucially, it is India’s first storage project on a river that flows into Pakistan. The project, constructed on a Chenab tributary, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018.
India Speeds Up Project Timelines
In view of the effectively suspended Indus Waters Treaty, the central government has now ordered that Pakal Dul be operational by December 2026. Once commissioned, it will enhance India’s power generation capacity and enable precise control over river flows—a capability Pakistan has long viewed with concern.
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