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India Starts Construction of Sawalkot Dam in Occupied Kashmir
India begins work on the Sawalkot mega dam on the Chenab River, raising concerns in Pakistan over water security in the Indus Basin.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-10
India Starts Construction of Sawalkot Dam in Occupied Kashmir

India has announced the construction of a major hydroelectric project in occupied Kashmir, following its withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty.

The Modi government approved the Sawalkot mega dam project on the Chenab River, with formal tenders issued on February 5. The project, managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), is estimated to cost 5,129 crore Indian rupees.

The Sawalkot dam will be built on a run-of-the-river basis between the Baglihar and Salal projects. In its first phase, the project will generate 1,406 MW of electricity, with an additional 450 MW planned in the second phase.

Experts have highlighted the strategic importance of the Chenab River, noting that around 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on water from the Indus Basin. They have warned that such projects could threaten Pakistan’s water security.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India reportedly withdrew from all operations under the Indus Waters Treaty, a move that has drawn serious concerns from Pakistan and international observers.
Tagged:

IndusWaterTreaty

PakistanWaterSecurity

ChenabRiver

SawalkotDam
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