Chenab River Flow Drops Near Sialkot After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, Satellite Images Surface: Reports

Chenab River Flow Drops Near Sialkot After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, Satellite Images Surface: Reports

A satellite imagery reportedly revealed a significant drop in water levels of the Chenab River near Sialkot, with the riverbed visibly drying up, raising alarms across the region.

Rahul MUpdated: Thursday, May 01, 2025, 09:20 AM IST
article-image
Chenab River Flow Drops Near Sialkot After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, Satellite Images Surface: Reports | (Photo Courtesy: X/@MumbaichaDon)

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 lives, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan appears to be yielding early consequences.

Reportedly, a new satellite imagery revealed an alleged drop in water levels of the Chenab River near Sialkot, with the riverbed visibly drying up.

Have a look:

India's Strategic Retaliation

Since the Pahalgam carnage, India has taken a series of calculated steps, without firing a shot across the border, that have begun to pressure Pakistan strategically. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of water from rivers like the Chenab, Jhelum and Indus, has now materialised into visible impact, with the Chenab’s reduced flow near Sialkot becoming a symbol of India’s economic and environmental leverage.

According to a report by TV9, sources revealed that the reduced water availability is already beginning to affect agricultural activity in the region, which is heavily dependent on river irrigation. With a further drop, it could cripple local economies and cause displacement of farming communities. The Pakistani leadership has warned that any deliberate obstruction of water flow will be considered an act of war.

Following the suspension of the treaty, Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in a controversial address, said that “blood would flow in rivers if water is stopped."

Have a look at his entire statement here:

Military Preparedness and Diplomatic Pressure

Following multiple high-level security meetings chaired by the PM Modi, the Indian military has reportedly been given a "free hand" — a move that signals possible tactical readiness for cross-border operations without requiring further political clearance.

While New Delhi tightens its strategic screws, international powers including the United States and Iran have called for restraint on both sides, amid concerns that the situation could spiral into open conflict. However, with water scarcity now entering the equation, experts caution that the stakes are significantly higher.

India has not officially confirmed the extent to which river flows are being diverted, but satellite images suggest that the first signs of a calibrated response are already unfolding significantly.

RECENT STORIES

UP Congress Disability Cell Protests Outside Vidhan Sabha Over Rights Neglect (VIDEO)

UP Congress Disability Cell Protests Outside Vidhan Sabha Over Rights Neglect (VIDEO)

'Only Chaos, No Curfew Relief Before 2017': UP CM Yogi Slams Samajwadi Party, Highlights Progress In...

'Only Chaos, No Curfew Relief Before 2017': UP CM Yogi Slams Samajwadi Party, Highlights Progress In...

CM YUVA Conclave 2025: Over 68,000 Youth Empowered With ₹2,751 Crore in Startup Loans

CM YUVA Conclave 2025: Over 68,000 Youth Empowered With ₹2,751 Crore in Startup Loans

Assamese Actress Nandini Kashyap Sent To 2-Day Police Custody In Guwahati Hit-And-Run Case

Assamese Actress Nandini Kashyap Sent To 2-Day Police Custody In Guwahati Hit-And-Run Case

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Holds Review Meeting With Officials Ahead Of 'Nijut Moina 2.0' Launch

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Holds Review Meeting With Officials Ahead Of 'Nijut Moina 2.0' Launch