More than two lakh cusecs of “excess” water from India is flowing into the warring neighbour Pakistan amidst the claims of the Union Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of already starting the process of stopping the waters from the Himalayan rivers flowing into Pakistan without violating Indus Water Treaty.

Over the past few days, when the Indian northern states received heavy rainfall, more than two lakh cusecs of water has been released downstream “which has eventually entered Pakistan”, and more would be released in the days to come to maintain the water levels.

In fact, the BBMB, after considering the inflows in the river Satluj, had also resorted to release more waters during the months of May and June this year.

Considering the high inflows, the water level was brought down by about 20 feet from 1624.18 feet to 1604 feet by June 25, before the onset of monsoon.

“In last few days, about 2.25 lakh cusses of additional water has been released from the Bhakra Dam. Out of this, 12,500 cusecs of water went to Rajasthan, and the remaining has gone downstream, which would eventually enter Pakistan,” said BBMB chairman DK Sharma.

The Union Minister, a day before, had stated that some reservoirs and rivers, which are outside the catchment areas, can be diverted and its water can be used in the lean season. “Today, all our reservoirs are full but we can use that water flowing into Pakistan now and divert it to the Ravi,” he had added.

Shekhawat had added that the dams are built not only to generate electricity but also for use in the lean season.

Notably, the Indus Water Treaty of September 1960 lays down the rules for sharing the waters from the Indus and its tributaries that flow through both the countries. The treaty vests the control of the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej with India, while Pakistan controls the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum.