Islamabad. Pakistan has initiated a review of the Sawalkot Project, a new hydroelectric dam being built by India on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. India has estimated the cost of this project to be around Rs 5,129 crore. The Modi government had approved the project after suspending the Indus Water Treaty last year. Pakistan is calling this project a threat to its agriculture and irrigation.
According to sources, India has given instructions for rapid completion of four big hydropower projects on Chenab river. In this, a target has been set to start Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026 and to complete the Kwar project by March 2028. Along with this, orders have also been given to start construction work on Ratle Dam on war footing.
Not only this, after suspending the Indus Water Treaty, India has not accepted the need to share data and give prior information to Pakistan. Apart from this, India has also rejected the decisions of the Court of Arbitration as illegal.
On the other hand, Chenab river is considered the lifeline for Pakistan. About 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on this river, and its entire network of dams and canals is based on it. Nine out of ten citizens of Pakistan depend on this water. After this, India’s new project has become a matter of serious concern for Pakistan. Because this project of India can completely destroy farming in Pakistan. After this there may be a situation of starvation. Concerned about this, Pakistan’s Water Resources Ministry, Indus Water Commissioner, Foreign Ministry and other departments are reviewing this project. According to intelligence sources, a joint report will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office. Apart from this, Pakistan is working on several options to deal with dams and de-watering. Not only this, Pakistan can prepare to challenge this project of India on international forums like International Court of Justice. The Indian Foreign Ministry said that they are aware of the situation and will soon give a detailed reply. Pakistan has already challenged India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty at the international level.
