ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed growing concern over India’s massive investment in water storage projects along the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, warning that the move could significantly increase the risks of both flooding and drought downstream.
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During a recent federal-provincial dialogue on water storage, officials revealed that New Delhi’s estimated $60 billion investment in projects along the two western rivers flowing from India-held Kashmir could expand India’s water storage capacity from about 15 days to nearly 55–60 days.
According to officials briefed at the meeting, such expanded capacity could allow India to restrict river flows for extended periods, potentially creating water shortages in Pakistan during critical agricultural seasons. Conversely, sudden releases of stored water during monsoon rains could trigger severe flooding in downstream areas.
Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), retired Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed, stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to construct large reservoirs to manage floodwaters and ensure water availability during potential disruptions.
Participants warned that increasing control over river flows could effectively “weaponise” water resources, posing serious long-term challenges for Pakistan’s water security.
Sindh representatives, however, cautioned that Pakistan was already facing water shortages and argued that river flows might not justify immediate construction of large dams. They called for detailed feasibility and economic studies before any major decisions are taken, warning against rushed projects that may not prove financially viable.
Leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan proposed representation in the Indus River System Authority to ensure regional participation in national water decisions, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir supported new hydropower and storage projects but sought financial incentives for local communities.
Punjab backed the development of new flood storage infrastructure and offered institutional guarantees to address Sindh’s concerns. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa urged early completion of the Chashma Right Bank Canal project to enable utilisation of its water share.
Officials also disclosed that Wapda has finalised plans for four medium-sized storage projects on the Chenab River near Jhang, Chiniot, Sargodha and Wazirabad, with an estimated cost of Rs300 billion and a combined storage capacity of about 4.5 million acre-feet.
