Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has been put in abeyance, and India has cleared the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River. This move follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April, which prompted India to suspend the treaty. The decision has sparked concerns in Pakistan, which views the projects as violations of the IWT and a threat to its water security.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a cornerstone of water sharing between the two nations for over six decades. The treaty grants Pakistan control over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India has rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. However, the treaty lacks a provision for unilateral suspension, leading to legal challenges from Pakistan.

India's decision to suspend the IWT came after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian civilians. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism and asserted that "water and blood can't flow together". Pakistan has denied these charges and accused India of using the water issue to exert pressure.

In addition to suspending the IWT, India has also expedited the approval process for several hydroelectric projects in the Indus basin. The Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project, approved by the Ministry of Environment, is one such project. The project, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, is estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore and generate 260 megawatts of electricity.

The Dulhasti Stage-II project is an extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I Hydro Electric Project, which has been operational since 2007. The project will divert water from the Stage-I power station through a 3,685-meter tunnel to create a horseshoe-shaped pondage for Stage-II. It includes a surge shaft, a pressure shaft, and an underground powerhouse with two 130 MW units. The project requires 60.3 hectares of land, including 8.27 hectares of private land from the villages of Benzwar and Palmar.

Pakistan has expressed serious concerns about the Dulhasti Stage-II project, viewing it as a violation of the IWT. Pakistani officials have stated that the project could have detrimental defense and strategic implications for Pakistan. They also argue that the project could negatively impact the flow of the Chenab River, which is a vital water source for Pakistan's agriculture and economy.

Amidst these developments, Pakistan has approached international forums, reiterating its commitment to the IWT and raising concerns about India's actions. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, has accused India of "deliberately" weakening the treaty and putting the lives of ordinary Pakistanis at risk. He warned that the suspension of water could be considered an act of war.

The suspension of the IWT and the approval of the Chenab River project have further strained relations between India and Pakistan. The situation remains tense, with both countries adopting a firm stance on the issue. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, as the resolution of this dispute is crucial for regional stability and the well-being of millions who depend on the Indus River system.