Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has proposed the construction of water reservoirs on the River Chenab to counter what he described as Indian water aggression.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart has said that the water reservoirs could be built at four to five locations on the Chenab. He said all provinces should sit together and settle water-related matters through consultation. He added that national unity was needed to address future challenges and thwart Indian designs.
Speaking during a Senate session, Sanaullah said India was constructing five dams on the Chenab, with completion expected by 2030. He said these projects could enable India to stop the flow of Chenab water for between 60 and 90 days whenever it chose.
He said India could also create flood-like conditions by releasing water suddenly. Sanaullah has said that India was using water as a weapon. He said the government had taken serious notice of the matter and was raising it at every international forum.
The adviser said Pakistan could address the situation by constructing its own water reservoirs on the Chenab, allowing surplus water to be stored and utilised when required. He said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the President and stressed the need for a parliamentary debate on the issue.
