Salal Dam Gates Opened as Chenab River Swells, Flood Alert in J&K
The gates of the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district were opened on Monday after water levels in the Chenab River rose sharply due to continuous heavy rainfall across the region. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to safely discharge excess water and prevent flooding downstream.
Authorities confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary precautions are in place to ensure public safety. The heavy downpour has already caused significant damage across Jammu and Kashmir, with several areas reporting widespread destruction in recent days. Restoration works are underway, but continue to face challenges due to persistent rain.
The water release from Salal Dam also comes against the backdrop of India’s suspension of its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India took this step following Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The IWT, brokered by the World Bank, had earlier allocated water rights between India and Pakistan—granting India unrestricted use of eastern rivers while Pakistan controlled the western rivers, including the Chenab.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Jammu today to inspect flood-affected areas. After his visit, he will hold a high-level meeting with officials to assess the situation and review the ongoing relief measures.
Meanwhile, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended for the seventh consecutive day due to landslides, heavy rainfall, and safety concerns. The base camp at Katra presented a deserted look, with only a few pilgrims waiting for the restoration of the pilgrimage. While a slight improvement in weather was reported this morning, authorities have stated that the yatra will only resume after receiving safety clearance from the concerned agencies.
On August 27, the yatra was halted after a landslide triggered by heavy rains damaged parts of the track. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the constitution of a three-member high-level committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.
The committee, headed by Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Jal Shakti, includes the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu. It has been tasked with identifying lapses, assessing rescue and relief responses, and suggesting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent such incidents in the future. The report is expected within two weeks.
As heavy rainfall continues to lash the Union Territory, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories.
