Reasi: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district have opened the gates of the Salal Dam to release excess water from the Chenab River, following heavy rainfall and a sharp rise in water levels. The move is a precautionary step to prevent flooding downstream, with officials keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure public safety.
The development comes against the backdrop of India suspending its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam attack. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty divides the Indus River system between the two countries, granting India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and Pakistan over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with destruction caused by relentless rainfall. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Jammu today to review the situation and chair a high-level meeting on flood management.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended for the seventh straight day due to landslides and bad weather. Though conditions improved slightly this morning, authorities said the pilgrimage would resume only after safety clearances. The Yatra was first halted on August 27 following a major landslide.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a three-member committee to probe the causes of the landslide and evaluate the response measures. The panel, headed by Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department, also includes the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu. The committee must submit its report within two weeks to the LG, who also chairs the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. It will identify lapses, review relief operations, and recommend SOPs to prevent future incidents.
