Emergency Declared in Jhelum River
India’s Sudden Jhelum River Water Release
An unexpected spike in the Jhelum River’s water levels in April 2025 sent many into a panic in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In the Hattian Bala district of Muzaffarabad, local officials proclaimed a water emergency. According to Pakistan, India violated the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by unexpectedly releasing water from the Uri Dam. The incident, its effects, and its implications for India-Pakistan relations are explained in this article.
What Happened in the Jhelum River Emergency?
On April 26, 2025, water levels in the Jhelum River rose sharply near Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. The surge, reportedly caused by India releasing water from the Uri Dam in Indian-administered Kashmir, led to moderate flooding. Residents in low-lying areas like Kohala and Dhalkot faced evacuation orders. Mosque loudspeakers and local announcements urged people to move to safer areas, sparking widespread panic.
- Location: Hattian Bala, near Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- Cause: Alleged unnotified water release from India’s Uri Dam.
- Impact: Flooding, livestock losses, crop damage, and resident evacuations.
- Response: Emergency declared, rescue teams deployed, temporary shelters set up.
Why Did India Release Water into the Jhelum River?
Pakistan alleges India deliberately released water without prior notice, calling it “water terrorism.” This followed India’s suspension of the IWT after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 23, 2025, which killed 26 people. India linked the attack to Pakistan-based groups, escalating tensions. Suspending the IWT allowed India to bypass notification protocols for water releases, though India has not officially confirmed the release.
What Is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Water distribution between India and Pakistan is governed by the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The World Bank mediated the deal, which gives India the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and Pakistan the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). According to the treaty, in order to avoid damage downstream, both countries must exchange statistics on water releases. India’s unannounced release, according to Pakistan, broke this agreement.
Key Facts About the Treaty
- Signed: September 1960.
- Rivers Allocated: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab to Pakistan; Ravi, Beas, Sutlej to India.
- Purpose: Prevent water-related conflicts through data sharing and cooperation.
- Challenges: Disputes over India’s hydropower projects and recent treaty suspension.
Impacts of the Jhelum River Flooding
The sudden water surge caused significant disruption in Pakistan-administered Kashmir:
- Human Impact: Families evacuated, with many losing homes and belongings.
- Economic Loss: Damage to crops and livestock, critical for local livelihoods.
- Infrastructure: Flooded roads and bridges hampered rescue efforts.
- Environmental Concerns: Potential long-term damage to soil and water systems.
Pakistan’s government has set up evacuation centers and deployed rescue teams. However, heavy rains forecast for late April 2025 could worsen the situation.
How Are India and Pakistan Responding?
Pakistan’s National Security Committee called the water release an “act of war” and expelled Indian diplomats. It urged the United Nations to intervene and plans to seek international recourse, possibly through the International Court of Justice. India has not commented on the water release but justified suspending the IWT due to Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism.
People Also Ask: Common Questions
Based on Google’s “People Also Ask” section, here are answers to popular questions:
- Can India legally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty? No, the treaty has no provision for unilateral suspension, but India’s upstream position gives it leverage.
- How does the Jhelum River affect Pakistan? The river is vital for agriculture and hydropower, supporting millions of livelihoods.
- What caused the Pahalgam attack? Unidentified gunmen attacked tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26. India blames Pakistan-based groups.
What’s Next for India-Pakistan Water Relations?
The Jhelum River incident highlights the fragility of India-Pakistan water agreements. Experts suggest:
- Joint Monitoring: A shared system to track water releases and prevent surprises.
- International Mediation: The World Bank or UN could help de-escalate tensions.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Both nations need better flood management systems.
Without cooperation, further incidents could escalate into broader conflict, given the region’s nuclear capabilities.
Stay Informed and Safe
The Jhelum River emergency underscores the need for transparency in water management. If you live near the Jhelum River, follow local warnings and stay away from riverbanks during flood alerts. For updates, check trusted news sources or local government advisories.
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