China Fast-Tracks Mohmand Dam Amid India-Pakistan Water Tensions

 In a dramatic escalation of regional geopolitics, China has significantly accelerated the construction of the Mohmand Dam in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This move comes in the wake of India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives . The dam, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), symbolizes China's deepening strategic involvement in South Asia and has far-reaching implications for regional water security and power dynamics.

🏗️ Mohmand Dam: A Strategic Infrastructure Marvel

The Mohmand Dam, under construction since May 2019, is situated on the Swat River, approximately 37 km north of Peshawar. Designed as a multi-purpose facility, the dam will stand 213 meters tall and is expected to generate 800 megawatts of hydroelectric power annually . Beyond power generation, it aims to irrigate 16,100 acres of land, provide 300 million gallons of drinking water daily to Peshawar, and offer significant flood control benefits to downstream areas like Nowshera and Charsadda.

China's Accelerated Involvement: A Geopolitical Statement

China's decision to fast-track the Mohmand Dam project is not merely about infrastructure development; it's a calculated geopolitical maneuver. Following India's suspension of the IWT, China announced the commencement of concrete filling on the dam, marking a critical construction milestone . This acceleration underscores China's commitment to bolstering Pakistan's strategic infrastructure, especially amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions.

🌊 The Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: A Catalyst for Change

India's suspension of the IWT—a treaty that has governed water sharing between India and Pakistan since 1960—has introduced a new layer of complexity to South Asian geopolitics. The treaty's suspension allows India to withhold crucial hydrological data and potentially divert water flows from rivers that Pakistan heavily relies upon for agriculture and hydropower . This development has heightened Pakistan's sense of vulnerability regarding its water security.

🔄 China's Strategic Calculations

China's expedited work on the Mohmand Dam serves multiple strategic objectives:

• Counterbalancing India: By strengthening Pakistan's infrastructure, China aims to counter India's regional influence.

• Securing Investments: Ensuring the success of CPEC projects like the Mohmand Dam safeguards China's substantial investments in Pakistan.

• Regional Stability: A stable and economically robust Pakistan aligns with China's broader regional interests, particularly in maintaining a balance of power in South Asia.

🌍 Implications for Regional Water Security

The rapid development of the Mohmand Dam amid the IWT suspension has significant implications:

• Pakistan's Water Security: The dam will enhance Pakistan's ability to manage water resources, crucial amid concerns over India's potential water diversion.

• India's Strategic Concerns: China's deepening involvement in Pakistan's infrastructure may be perceived by India as a strategic encroachment, potentially exacerbating regional tensions.

• Environmental Considerations: Large-scale infrastructure projects like the Mohmand Dam necessitate careful environmental assessments to mitigate potential ecological impacts.

📊 Projected Benefits of the Mohmand Dam

• Hydropower Generation: 800 MW capacity, contributing significantly to Pakistan's energy needs.

• Irrigation: Provision for irrigating 16,100 acres of agricultural land.

• Drinking Water Supply: 300 million gallons per day to Peshawar.

• Flood Control: Mitigation of flood risks in downstream regions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Mohmand Dam project?

The Mohmand Dam is a multi-purpose concrete-faced rock-filled dam under construction on the Swat River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It aims to generate hydroelectric power, provide irrigation, supply drinking water, and control floods.

2. Why has China accelerated the construction of the Mohmand Dam?

China has expedited the dam's construction in response to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, aiming to strengthen Pakistan's water infrastructure and assert its strategic presence in the region.

3. How does the Indus Waters Treaty affect Pakistan?

The IWT governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. Its suspension by India raises concerns over potential water scarcity and agricultural challenges in Pakistan.

4. What are the environmental concerns associated with the Mohmand Dam?

Potential environmental issues include disruption of local ecosystems, displacement of communities, and changes in river flow patterns, necessitating comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

5. How will the Mohmand Dam benefit Pakistan's economy?

The dam is expected to boost energy production, enhance agricultural productivity through improved irrigation, and reduce flood-related damages, contributing to economic growth.

6. What role does the Mohmand Dam play in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor?

As a flagship project under CPEC, the Mohmand Dam exemplifies China's commitment to developing Pakistan's infrastructure, thereby strengthening bilateral economic ties.

7. How might India's suspension of the IWT impact regional stability?

The suspension could escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, potentially leading to conflicts over water resources and affecting regional peace.

8. What is the expected completion date of the Mohmand Dam?

Originally slated for completion in 2026, the timeline has been advanced due to China's accelerated construction efforts.

9. How does the Mohmand Dam address flood control?

By regulating river flow and storing excess water during peak seasons, the dam aims to mitigate the impact of floods in downstream areas.

10. What are the geopolitical implications of China's involvement in Pakistan's dam projects?

China's involvement signifies a strategic alliance with Pakistan, potentially altering the balance of power in South Asia and challenging India's regional influence.

Conclusion

China's rapid advancement of the Mohmand Dam project amid the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a significant shift in South Asia's geopolitical landscape. As water security becomes an increasingly critical issue, infrastructure projects like the Mohmand Dam not only address immediate resource needs but also serve as instruments of strategic influence. The unfolding developments underscore the intricate interplay between infrastructure, geopolitics, and regional stability in the 21st century.