Source: HT
Context: India has halted the flow of water from the Chenab River through the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attacks.
About Chenab River:
- Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
- Chandra originates near Bara-lacha la Pass (east), Bhaga from Surya Taal lake (west of the pass).
- Known as Chandra-Bhaga in upper reaches, it becomes Chenab downstream.
- Flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, enters Pakistan in Punjab province, and joins Sutlej River to form Panjnad River.
- Major Tributaries:
- Right Bank: Marusudar (largest tributary), Miyar Nalla, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Ans, and Kalnai
- Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari
- Major Hydroelectric Projects on Chenab River (Run-of-the-River Projects): Baglihar Dam, Salal Dam, Dul Hasti, Ratle Project, Pakal Dul Dam, Kiru Project, and Kishtwar Project.
- Historical Significance:
-
- Known since Vedic period, part of Rigvedic Sapta Sindhu.
- Cited in accounts of Alexander the Great’s Indian campaign (325 BCE).
- Site of the historic Battle of Chenab between Sikhs and Afghans.
About Baglihar Dam:
- Location: Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir, on the Chenab River.
- Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project with limited storage capacity.
- Installed Capacity: Around 900 MW (in two phases).
- Commissioned By: NHPC Limited, supported by Government of India.
- Controversy:
- Opposed by Pakistan for alleged treaty violations under Indus Waters Treaty (1960).
- Subject to World Bank arbitration, which ruled in India’s favour for certain technical modifications.
