Pakistan has decided to construct a major dam on the River Chenab at Chiniot to counter what it describes as India’s ongoing “water aggression.” The development marks a significant strategic and environmental step as the country seeks to safeguard its water resources and strengthen its flood-management capacity.
The decision was announced during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan. Senior officials briefed the committee on the growing challenges posed by India’s upstream water projects and shared details of Pakistan’s response strategy.
Feasibility Study Completed; PC-1 Under Preparation
Officials informed the Senate committee that the feasibility study for the Chenab dam project has already been completed. The preparation of the PC-1 — the formal planning document required for major national projects — is currently in progress. Once finalised, it will move to the competent authorities for funding and formal approval.
The committee was also told that Pakistan’s national flood-protection framework, the National Flood Protection Plan IV, costing an estimated Rs 824 billion, is awaiting approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The plan aims to strengthen national infrastructure, ensure early-warning systems, and enhance river management to protect vulnerable regions from recurring floods.
Priority Project Amid Rising Water Challenges
India’s construction of dams and hydropower projects on western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty has long been a source of concern in Islamabad. Pakistani officials argue that New Delhi’s projects give it the ability to manipulate downstream flows, potentially triggering water shortages during critical periods.
The proposed Chenab dam is seen as a structural defence mechanism — both to regulate internal water needs and to protect Pakistan from abrupt fluctuations in river flow. Officials briefed the committee that the dam would not only strengthen water storage capacity but also improve agricultural stability, energy generation, and flood resilience.
Senate Committee Orders Removal of Encroachments on Rivers
During the meeting, the Senate Committee on Water Resources issued strict directives to all provinces to immediately remove encroachments along riverbeds and flood channels. These illegal structures often obstruct natural water routes, intensifying the impact of flash floods.
Committee Chairman Shahadat Awan expressed strong displeasure over the failure of certain provinces — particularly Punjab and Sindh — to clear encroachments from river pathways despite repeated instructions. He warned that failure to do so before the upcoming monsoon season would amount to “a criminal act,” given the significant human and economic losses suffered in previous floods.
Telemetric Monitoring and Early Warning
WAPDA officials also briefed the committee on the nationwide installation of a telemetric monitoring system designed to track water flow and provide timely warning ahead of floods. The system aims to offer real-time data on river levels, enabling authorities to take preventive measures and reduce the scale of disaster.
The telemetric system, once fully operational, is expected to revolutionize Pakistan’s water-monitoring capacity by providing accurate, continuous, and centralised information accessible to disaster-management agencies. This would significantly improve preparedness and allow for better coordination between federal and provincial bodies.
Flood-Protection and Public Safety
Pakistan has faced multiple severe flooding events in the past decade, with the 2022 floods causing one of the worst humanitarian and economic crises in national history. Officials told the committee that river encroachments, reduced storage capacities, outdated monitoring equipment, and erratic cross-border water flows all contribute to the increasing risks.
The proposed Chenab dam is intended to serve as a long-term solution to these vulnerabilities. Along with increasing water storage, the structure will bolster hydropower generation and allow more efficient distribution of water for irrigation — a critical requirement for Pakistan’s agriculture-dependent economy.
Regional and Strategic Significance
For decades, Islamabad has accused New Delhi of exploiting loopholes in the Indus Waters Treaty through projects on rivers designated for Pakistan. The construction of a major dam on the Chenab signals Pakistan’s intent to adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to water security.
The strategic location at Chiniot offers optimal hydrological conditions, enabling sustainable storage while minimizing displacement. The dam will also allow Pakistan to regulate the flow of water downstream into critical agricultural zones in Punjab.
Conclusion
The Senate Standing Committee’s session underlined Pakistan’s urgent need to upgrade water infrastructure, ensure national security against external water manipulation, and strengthen flood-management systems. The decision to construct a dam on the River Chenab at Chiniot is a major policy move with far-reaching implications for agriculture, energy, and national resilience.
