Pakistan has expressed strong concern after India released a large amount of water into the Chenab River without giving any advance notice.
The sudden release pushed the river’s flow up to 58,300 cusecs, causing worry among officials who say such actions can create serious problems for Pakistan’s agriculture and water management.
According to experts, this unexpected surge of water has arrived at a very sensitive time. Pakistan’s wheat crop is currently in an important growth phase, and a big change in water levels can damage the crop or affect its yield.
Sudden flooding in fields can harm young plants, delay irrigation plans, and disturb soil conditions. Officials fear that if this pattern continues, farmers may face significant losses during the upcoming harvest season.
Experts have also warned that the situation might worsen later. They say India could again change the water flow by refilling its dams once the released water passes.
If India stores water after releasing it, the downstream flow into Pakistan could drop sharply. This would create a completely different problem—water shortage right when farmers need a stable supply for irrigation.
Such unpredictable releases and reductions make it difficult for Pakistan to plan its agricultural cycles. Farmers depend on consistent water availability, and fluctuations can disturb sowing schedules, weaken crop health, and reduce overall productivity.
Pakistan has raised the issue to highlight the need for proper coordination and timely communication between the two countries. Officials stress that sharing advance information about water releases is essential to protect crops, manage rivers safely, and avoid unnecessary damage.
