Web desk: The flow of the Chenab River at Marala has stabilised following a period of unusually low discharge, according to official data from the Punjab Irrigation Department.
The monitoring, conducted under the supervision of the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters, indicates a recovery after flows dropped drastically earlier this month.
Hydrological records reveal that between December 10 and 16, 2025, river flows fell to as low as 870 cusecs. It was well below the historical 10-year minimum of 4,018–4,406 cusecs for the same period.
Satellite imagery of the Baglihar reservoir, located upstream in India. It showed a significant reduction in surface area on December 8.
This later increased by December 13, suggesting possible emptying and refilling of the reservoir.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is not allowed to empty the dead storage of run-of-river hydroelectric reservoirs on the Western Rivers.
Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Waters has formally sought clarification from the Indian counterpart regarding the unusual reduction in flows.
Recovery began on December 17, when flows rose to 6,399 cusecs. Back to the historical 10-year range for the first time since the mid-month decline.
As of December 19, readings indicate flows between 4,505 and 6,494 cusecs. It is consistent with historical expectations for this time of year.
Officials have confirmed that continuous monitoring will remain in place to respond to any future fluctuations and ensure effective water management.
Authorities also clarified that any data from sources other than the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters holds no official validity.
Reports of blocking Chenab, Jhelum, Neelum water baseless
Several Pakistani media outlets claimed that India has blocked water flows in the Chenab, Jhelum, and Neelum rivers today, Friday.
️The media outlets carried a completely false and misleading report about the reduction of water flows into Pakistan via the Rivers Jhelum, Neelum and Chenab as being at historically low levels
According to sources from the Indus Waters Commission, the reports regarding the water blockage at Chenab, Jhelum, and Neelum rivers are baseless.
