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Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 11:52 IST
Pakistan will issue a policy statement and is likely to challenge India’s new dam project in Court Of Justice and other international fora soon, say sources
News18 reported last month that the Centre has issued firm directions to fast-track four major hydropower projects on the Chenab river system. File pic/PTI
Pakistan is reviewing India’s new dam on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir, according to top sources in the country’s water resources ministry.
India has started work on the mega Rs 5,129-crore Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir — the first such new project to get the green light from the Narendra Modi government after the abrogation of the Indus Water Treaty.
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News18 had reported last month that the Centre has issued firm directions to fast-track four major hydropower projects on the Chenab river system. Officials had been asked to commission the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026, complete the Kwar project by March 2028, and accelerate construction on the strategically sensitive Ratle Dam.
Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, “India has decided that blood and water will not flow together. Now, my fellow countrymen have clearly understood how unjust and one-sided the Indus agreement is. The waters of rivers originating in India have been irrigating the fields of our… pic.twitter.com/7d60wghorm— IANS (@ians_india) August 15, 2025
India placed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance in April 2025 following the Pahalgam attack, stating that “blood and water cannot flow together". By treating the treaty as suspended, India is no longer following data-sharing or prior-notification requirements with Pakistan for new or existing projects on the Chenab River. It has also rejected rulings from the Court of Arbitration, which India currently labels as “illegal."
What are Pakistan’s plans?
The Chenab is part of the Indus basin — Pakistan’s lifeline. Nearly three-fourths of Pakistan’s water originates from the western rivers that flow from India into Pakistan. Over 90 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on this basin, and almost the entire network of its dams and canals is built around it. In effect, nine out of ten Pakistanis rely on water that first flows through Indian territory.
“Pakistan’s departments such as the Indus Water Commissioner Office, Pakistan Water Resources Ministry, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General Office and other relevant departments are studying the project," said sources, adding, “A combined and comprehensive report will be presented to the Prime Minister’s Office soon."
“The authorities are also working on multiple options how to deal with the dam and de-watering of Pakistan," said sources.
Pakistan is reviewing all aspects to challenge India. It will issue a policy statement and is likely to challenge India’s new dam project in Court Of Justice and other international fora soon, said the sources.
The Office of MOFA Spokesperson responded to News18’s query: “It’s in our knowledge and we will respond with more details soon."
Pakistan has already challenged the abeyance of Indus Water Treaty on international forums, said sources.
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First Published:
February 10, 2026, 11:49 IST
News world Pakistan Begins Review Of India’s New Dam On Chenab River Amid Stalled IWT: Exclusive From Sources
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