Chenab River

The Chenab River is a major transboundary river in South Asia, flowing approximately 1,200 km (750 miles) from the upper Himalayas in India through the plains of Pakistan. It is central to regional hydrology, agriculture, and recent geopolitical developments between the two countries.

Geography and Course

• Origin: Formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Route: It flows northwest through the Jammu and Kashmir region before crossing into the Punjab province of Pakistan.
• Confluence: It merges with the Sutlej River to form the Panjnad, which ultimately flows into the Indus River at Mithankot.

The Indus Waters Treaty

Under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), the waters of the Chenab are primarily allocated to Pakistan. While Pakistan uses it extensively for irrigation and link canals, India is restricted to non-consumptive uses, primarily hydropower generation.

Key Infrastructure and Disputes

• Hydropower: The Chenab basin is highly dammed for energy. Notable projects include the Baglihar Dam (900 MW), Dul Hasti Dam (390 MW), and Salal Dam.
• New Projects: India’s push to accelerate and expand projects like the Ratle, Kwar, and Kiru hydroelectric stations, as well as the Chenab-Beas link project, have faced staunch opposition from Pakistan. Islamabad argues that these storage and diversion initiatives violate the Indus Waters Treaty and threaten its water security.

Engineering Marvel

The river is spanned by the Chenab Bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Standing 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, it holds the record for being the world’s highest railway bridge.