During Operation Sindhu, India had stopped the flow of water from the Chenab and Jhelum rivers to Pakistan. However, simply stopping the water flow was not enough. Therefore, India has now approved the construction of a hydropower project on the Chenab River. It will be called the Dulhasti Project-2. It will cost Rs. 3277 crore. This is the next step following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also clarified Punjab’s position, stating that the decision to stop the flow of water from the Chenab and Jhelum rivers to Pakistan and utilize it within India would alleviate water scarcity for irrigation from Haryana to Rajasthan.
By resolving the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal dispute, water from these rivers could be provided not only to Haryana but also to irrigate the dry fields of Punjab. The issue is not just about irrigation; it is also about providing additional electricity. While announcements are made that there will be no power cuts, agriculture still suffers from power outages. Emerging small and cottage industries also face power cuts. This hydropower project is starting next year. It will generate 207 megawatts of electricity, which will solve the power-related problems. Not only will Punjab and other agricultural states receive electricity, but Pakistan will also receive a response to its anti-India activities. Pakistan has been greatly troubled by this decision.
It has also written a letter of complaint to the United Nations Security Council. The complaint states that India has not only suspended the Indus Waters Treaty but is now using water as a weapon, violating the human rights of millions of Pakistanis. It is creating a food security crisis for them. A letter of complaint has been sent to the UN Secretary-General and the UN General Assembly.
The Security Council has been urged to take cognizance of this matter. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, has accused India of using water as a weapon and enriching itself by generating electricity from it. Dar has said that this is a serious threat to regional peace and security. It will bring a message of hunger to 240 million Pakistanis. In our opinion, this is a very correct decision. First, India will resolve its own crisis, and then it will think about those who pose a constant threat to it.