India Opens Dam Gates, Flooding Threatens Pakistan After Air Strikes

India has opened the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams without prior notice, releasing water towards Pakistan and causing flood-like conditions in the neighbouring country.

Following an air strike against Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India opened the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir without prior notice. This action has created a serious flood risk in the lower areas of Pakistan. Salal dam is a hydroelectric project supplying electricity to several states besides Kashmir. This move comes at a time of heightened military tension between the two countries, and after India already suspended the Indus Water Treaty.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Two gates at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam built on the Chenab River in Ramban have been opened.

(Latest visuals from the spot; shot at 3 pm today) pic.twitter.com/890GN6Irn1

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

Impact of India’s ‘Water Strike’

Due to heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir, the water level of the Chenab River has risen rapidly, leading to the opening of two gates at the Baglihar dam and three at the Salal dam. A large volume of water is flowing towards Pakistan. The rapid water flow has raised concerns about potential flooding in Pakistan.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Latest visuals from Reasi’s Salal Dam built on Chenab River; 3 gates of the dam are seen open.

(Visuals shot at 4:45 pm today) pic.twitter.com/kkZlJ7PynZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

 Three Gates Open at Salal Dam

Three gates of the Salal dam on the river are also open, releasing water rapidly. Heavy rainfall has been reported in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Ramban. India states that the dam gates were opened due to rapidly rising water levels caused by cloudbursts and landslides in Ramban.

#WATCH | J&K | On cloudburst in Ramban, Dy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary says, “National Highway is our priority and we are trying to evacuate the standard passengers and vehicles… We appeal to the people to plan their travel according to the traffic advisory… the… pic.twitter.com/T6QUwHdzxk

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

Life Disrupted After Heavy Rainfall in Ramban

Heavy rainfall in Ramban district caused numerous landslides and falling rocks, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Thursday morning. Officials reported that flash floods also affected the Ramban market, but there were no reports of casualties.

Environmental Emergency or Strategic Message?

India’s action is being viewed not just through an environmental lens, but also strategically. Experts believe it’s a clear warning to Pakistan that responses to terrorism and cross-border attacks will now include water policy, in addition to military action.