India has initiated efforts to enhance the reservoir holding capacity at two hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to sources familiar with the development who spoke to Reuters. This move follows renewed tensions with Pakistan, which prompted India to suspend a long-standing water-sharing agreement.

This development marks the first concrete indication of India moving beyond the terms set by the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement the two nuclear-armed neighbours have adhered to since 1960, despite engaging in three wars and numerous other conflicts.

Last month, New Delhi suspended the pact that guarantees water supply to 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural land, after identifying two of the three attackers responsible for the killing of 26 people in Kashmir as Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan denied any involvement in the incident and issued a warning that any attempt by India to block or redirect the flow of water meant for Pakistan would be treated as an act of war. The country also threatened to pursue international legal action over the suspension.

On Thursday, a "reservoir flushing" operation commenced, aimed at clearing accumulated sediment. This activity is being conducted by NHPC Ltd, India's largest state-run hydropower company, in coordination with authorities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said.

One of the sources explained that this process initially releases sediment-laden water downstream, potentially causing temporary flooding, followed by a decrease in water flow as the reservoirs are refilled.

Although this action might not immediately disrupt Pakistan’s water supply—which is heavily reliant on rivers flowing through India for both irrigation and hydropower—it could eventually have consequences if similar activities are carried out at other dams. The region hosts over half a dozen such hydroelectric projects.

According to the sources, India did not notify Pakistan about the maintenance work at the Salal and Baglihar projects, which are undergoing such procedures for the first time since their commissioning in 1987 and 2008/09, respectively. They noted that prior provisions under the treaty had prevented such operations from taking place.

News source: Reuters