Pakistan has reported dramatic fluctuations in the Chenab River’s flow after India abruptly released and then sharply curtailed water from the Baglihar Dam. The sudden shifts, documented by WAPDA’s latest data, have intensified concerns over India’s recurring “tampering” with downstream flows.
Sudden Rise and Fall in Chenab Waters
According to WAPDA, the Chenab recorded an extraordinary surge of 58,300 cusecs when India opened the Baglihar spillways on Monday. However, within just 24 hours, the flow dropped by 48,000 cusecs, marking an unusually steep decline for the river.
As of Tuesday, Chenab inflows stand at 10,100 cusecs, up from 7,000 cusecs the previous day. Sources say India released “excess water” earlier but has now resumed storing it, raising fears the river could experience another sharp reduction. WAPDA reported the current discharge at 3,800 cusecs, underscoring the instability in flow patterns.
Rising Concerns Over Future Reductions
Officials warn that continued restrictions by India could push the Chenab’s level even lower, threatening irrigation cycles, hydropower output, and downstream river management. The pattern of sudden releases followed by abrupt stoppages has increased Pakistan’s vulnerability and complicated real-time water regulation.
Updated River and Reservoir Statistics
WAPDA issued updated figures detailing inflows, outflows, and storage levels across major rivers and reservoirs:
River Flows
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Indus River: Inflow 19,100 cusecs; Outflow 28,000 cusecs
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Jhelum River: Inflow 3,400 cusecs; Outflow 35,000 cusecs
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Chashma Barrage: Inflow 27,800 cusecs; Outflow 38,000 cusecs
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Kabul River: Inflow 7,400 cusecs; Outflow 7,400 cusecs
Reservoir Levels
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Tarbela Dam: 1,489.86 ft; storage 2.649 MAF
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Mangla Dam: 1,211.20 ft; storage 4.988 MAF
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Chashma Reservoir: 645.90 ft; storage 171,000 acre feet
WAPDA confirmed that Pakistan’s total usable water storage stands at 7.808 million acre feet, reflecting manageable but tightening water supply conditions as seasonal variability and upstream interventions intensify scrutiny.
