J&K: Salal Dam gates opened as water levels in Chenab rise amid heavy rains

The gates of Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district were opened on Monday as water levels continues to rise in the Chenab River amid heavy rainfall in the region.

This is a precautionary measure to safely discharge excess water and prevent possible flooding downstream. Additionally, the situation is being monitored closely and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is currently abeyance due to India's decision to suspend its participation in the treaty. It move was prompted following the Pahalgam terror attack.


The treaty was brokered by the World Bank to allocate the waters of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. India has unrestricted use of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed widespread destruction due to the heavy rainfall in recent days. Restoration works are still ongoing in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day on Monday due to inclement weather and safety concerns along the track.

On August 27, the Vaishno Devi yatra was suspended due to a landslide and heavy rainfall. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the constitution of a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.