India Opens All Gates of Salal Dam, Reportedly Releases 150,000 Cusecs Into Chenab; Pakistan on Alert

India has opened all spillway gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab River following a sharp rise in water inflows amid heavy rainfall, with reports indicating that around 150,000 cusecs of water has been released into the river, raising concerns over possible flooding in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Flood Forecasting Division had warned that the flood wave generated by the release could increase water pressure at key locations along the Chenab, including Head Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad. The flood wave was earlier estimated to take approximately 48 hours to reach Head Marala.

The Salal Dam is located approximately 76 kilometres from Head Marala along the Chenab’s course. However, the actual travel time and volume of water reaching Pakistan can vary depending on river velocity, rainfall, tributary inflows and other hydrological factors.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall across Punjab on has already placed authorities on heightened alert, with water levels in several rivers being closely monitored. Reports have also indicated low-level flooding conditions at Head Marala.

From Pakistan’s perspective, the reported large-scale release from Salal Dam comes amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi over the Indus Waters Treaty and the management of the western rivers, including the Chenab.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over any sudden changes in the flow of rivers originating in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, particularly when such changes occur during periods of heavy monsoon rainfall.

Authorities have intensified monitoring along the Chenab and instructed district administrations and rescue agencies to remain prepared for any deterioration in the flood situation.

Particular attention is being given to areas linked to the Chenab system, including Sialkot, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Chiniot.

Experts warn that continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas could further increase the Chenab’s flow as water released from Salal combines with local rainfall and tributary inflows.

For Pakistani authorities, the key concern is the combination of the reported 150,000-cusec release from the Indian dam, ongoing monsoon rainfall and existing Chenab flows. Officials are therefore maintaining close surveillance of water levels and discharge from Head Marala downstream towards Khanki and Qadirabad.