Both hydropower stations upstream of the Jhelum River in India have reopened their sluices.

According to The Times of India, in order to control the pressure inside the dam, the Indian central government opened two sluice gates of the Baglihar Hydropower Station and three sluice gates of the Salal Hydropower Station on May 8 due to the rise in water levels caused by heavy rainfall.  Previously, the gates of the Baglihar and Salal hydropower stations located in the upper reaches of the Chenab River were closed by the Indian side to cut off water supply downstream. Before deciding to close the gates, the Indian government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty signed with Pakistan. According to the Indus Waters Treaty, India is obligated to notify Pakistan before making any significant intervention on rivers such as the Jhelum River. More than 90% of Pakistan's agricultural water relies on the Indus River system, most of which originates from the upstream Indian-controlled Kashmir region. According to the Indus Waters Treaty, India retains the right to use the waters of the eastern rivers: Ravi River, Beas River, and Sutlej River, while Pakistan has obtained the majority of the rights to the western rivers: Indus River, Jhelum River, and Chenab River. However, India is allowed to use part of the water for agriculture and to construct run-of-the-river dams for hydroelectric power generation. Due to India's restriction on the flow of this river, parts of the downstream areas experienced a phenomenon where the riverbed could be walked across for the first time in modern history. It is widely believed outside that, against the backdrop of increasingly tense relations between India and Pakistan, India sent a "strategic signal" by regulating the water flow of the Jhelum River. Previously, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that water resources are vital national interests for Pakistan, and Pakistan will not compromise on core issues. If water resources are harmed, Pakistan will fully counterattack with military action. This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission. Original source: [https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502060028359098892/](https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502060028359098892/) Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinions by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.