Pakistan seeks explanation from India over sudden drop in Chenab river flows

Pakistan has raised concerns with India after noticing an unusual drop in the flow of Chenab River. According to Pakistan, the river’s water levels did not return to normal as expected, even after India reportedly emptied (discharged) and then refilled the Baglihar Dam.

Pakistan thinks that this drop might be the violation of the 1906s Indus Water Treaty, an international agreement that regulated how India and Pakistan share river waters. The Ministry of Water Resources stated that the water flow of the Chenab River has now returned to a stable condition after experiencing a period of sudden and irregular changes.

According to the ministry, hydrological records for the first half of Dece¬mber 2025 showed the unusual decline persisted from Dec 10 to Dec 16.The flows dropped frequently with the lowest reading recorded at 870 cusecs.

The ministry stated that satellite images were analysed to determine the reason behind the reduced water flow at Marala. According to the review, imagery from December 8 showed a noticeable decrease in the surface area of the Baglihar dam, which later expanded in satellite images taken on December 13.

The ministry said continuous monitoring would remain in place to respond to any future fluctuations. It added that information attributed to sources other than the office of the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters “carries no effect whatsoever”, indicating changes in the reservoir’s water levels.