India Fast-Tracks Hydro Projects Amid Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Report

Reservoir Flushing Operations Begin at Salal and Baglihar Hydroelectric Projects

In a significant development amidst rising tensions with Pakistan, India has reportedly initiated reservoir flushing operations at two key hydroelectric projects in Kashmir, the Salal and Baglihar plants. The move follows the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a historic agreement between India and Pakistan, which has been in place since the 1960s.

As part of the operations, India has begun clearing sediment buildup in the reservoirs of the Salal and Baglihar projects, both of which have been operating under constraints due to the terms of the treaty. According to sources familiar with the matter, this marks the first time that flushing operations have taken place since the establishment of these plants—Salal in 1987 and Baglihar in 2008/09. The flushing is expected to improve power generation efficiency and prevent potential damage to the plants’ turbines.

Highlights:

• India has initiated reservoir flushing at Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric plants.

• The operation is aimed at improving power generation efficiency and preventing turbine damage.

• This is the first time such operations have been carried out at these plants since their construction.

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has traditionally governed the distribution of river water between India and Pakistan. However, in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India decided to suspend the treaty. This suspension marks a significant shift, as the treaty had survived three wars and numerous conflicts between the two nations.

Despite India’s actions, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has issued stern warnings. Pakistan has threatened legal action, emphasizing that any attempt to block or redirect water flows allocated to Pakistan under the treaty would be considered an act of war.

Highlights:

• India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack.

• Pakistan has threatened legal action, warning that any attempt to block water flows would be regarded as an act of war.

• The treaty had withstood past conflicts but has now been suspended amid rising tensions.

Implications for Water Supply and Regional Tensions

The flushing operations, while not immediately threatening Pakistan’s water supply, could have long-term implications. Pakistan heavily relies on rivers that flow from India for its agriculture and energy needs. If similar operations are carried out at other hydroelectric facilities in the region, there could be concerns about water availability downstream, especially in Pakistan.

Despite the strategic nature of these operations, India did not inform Pakistan about the flushing activities, which were previously restricted under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty. This decision to proceed without consultation has raised concerns amid the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Hydropower experts have noted that flushing is not a common procedure because it results in water wastage and could lead to downstream inundation if not properly managed.

Highlights:

• Flushing operations could have long-term implications for Pakistan’s water supply.

• India did not notify Pakistan about the flushing operations, raising concerns amidst regional tensions.

• Flushing leads to water wastage and could cause inundation downstream if not managed carefully.

Operational Efficiency and Future Concerns

Both the Salal and Baglihar plants have faced issues with sediment buildup affecting their operational efficiency. Flushing is designed to remove accumulated sediment, which has been a major factor in reducing power generation capacity at these plants. The Salal plant, with a capacity of 690 MW, has been operating below its designed capacity due to these sediment restrictions. Similarly, the Baglihar plant (900 MW) has also faced similar issues.

The ongoing flushing operations are expected to help clear sediment and restore the plants to their optimal performance, significantly improving the power generation capabilities.

Highlights:

• Sediment buildup has reduced the power generation capacity at both the Salal and Baglihar plants.

• Flushing operations aim to clear sediment and restore optimal plant performance.

• Both plants have faced operational inefficiencies due to sediment restrictions in the past.