Pakistan has reported significant fluctuations in the flow of the Chenab River after India abruptly released and then restricted water from the Baglihar Dam.

WAPDA’s latest data shows a sharp swing in river inflows over the past 24 hours, prompting renewed concerns over India’s “tampering” with Chenab waters.

Sudden rise, fall in Chenab River flow

According to WAPDA, the Chenab witnessed a dramatic increase of 58,300 cusecs in water flow yesterday after India opened the Baglihar Dam spillways. However, within the next 24 hours, the river recorded a decrease of 48,000 cusecs, marking an unusually steep drop.

Today, the Chenab’s inflow stands at 10,100 cusecs, compared to 7,000 cusecs on Monday. Sources said India had released “excess water” the previous day but has now resumed storing water, raising fears of a further decline in the river’s flow.

WAPDA also reported the Chenab’s current discharge at 3,800 cusecs.

Concerns over future water reduction

Officials warn that if India continues to restrict outflows from the Baglihar Dam, Pakistan could face even lower water levels in the Chenab. The pattern of sudden releases followed by abrupt stoppages has heightened downstream vulnerability and added stress to water management systems.

WAPDA released updated statistics on river flows and national water storage:

Indus River

Inflow: 19,100 cusecs
Outflow: 28,000 cusecs

Jhelum River

Inflow: 3,400 cusecs
Outflow: 35,000 cusecs

Chashma Barrage

Inflow: 27,800 cusecs
Outflow: 38,000 cusecs

Kabul River

Inflow: 7,400 cusecs
Outflow: 7,400 cusecs

Reservoir levels

Tarbela Dam: 1,489.86 ft water level; storage 2.649 million acre feet
Mangla Dam: 1,211.20 ft water level; storage 4.988 million acre feet
Chashma Reservoir: 645.90 ft water level; storage 171,000 acre feet

WAPDA said the total usable water storage in the country’s reservoirs currently stands at 7.808 million acre feet.