Pakistan has accused India of deliberately targeting the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in a dangerous escalation of their ongoing conflict, raising fears of catastrophic flooding for civilian populations. Retired Lt. Gen. Sajjad Ghani, chairman of Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), confirmed extensive damage to critical water infrastructure after what he called “six hours of continuous Indian shelling” in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The attack, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, damaged hydraulic systems, intake gates, and reinforced concrete structures at the $5 billion dam project completed in 2018. Shockingly, residential camps and a medical facility with an ambulance were also hit. “This is an act of war that violates every international convention,” Ghani stated, warning that damage to automated systems could have triggered massive flooding from Muzaffarabad to Mangla, putting millions at risk.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry linked the assault to India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a “strategic attack on Pakistan’s water security.” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed diplomats, emphasizing the project’s role in providing clean energy to the national grid.
As military spokesmen trade accusations of Geneva Convention violations, the Neelum-Jhelum plant—already non-operational since May 1 due to technical issues—now faces extended shutdowns. With cross-border firing continuing along the Line of Control, the water infrastructure attack marks a perilous new phase in the nuclear-armed rivals’ conflict, potentially putting civilian lives and regional water security in jeopardy.
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