Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 6 (ANI): As India suspends the Indus Water Treaty amid escalating tensions over the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the closing of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam and Salal Dam, propelling water to Pakistan, has caused parts of the Chenab riverbeds to dry.

The local residents have come in support of the action taken by the Indian government against Pakistan, saying that it was a step to 'teach them a lesson'.

A local said, ' This is a very good step taken by India to teach them (Pakistan) a lesson...they took the lives of 26 innocent people. They (Pakistan) should understand now.'

Another local resident said that this step to close the dam gates was merely a beginning, asserting that Pakistan needs to be taught a lesson since the neighbouring country was going on the 'path of destruction.'

'Bad days are coming for Pakistan because they are not understanding what they are doing...you (Pakistan) going in the path of destruction...it seems like they need to be taught a lesson again...if they continue like this, war will happen. How much will India tolerate? This step taken by India is a beginning,' the local said.

The move comes as India takes multiple diplomatic steps against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. India has also held the Indus Water treaty in abeyance, which also includes Chenab.

The Indus River system consists of Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, whose usage rights were divided between India and Pakistan in the 1960 treaty. Pakistan depends on these river systems for irrigation for the majority of its agriculture.

However, to ensure that there is no significant effect on marine wildlife, bits of water are released from only one gate of the Salal and Balighar dam as a routine act.

Earlier on Monday, locals backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to put the Indus Water Treaty on hold and regulate water flow to Pakistan despite water in the Chenab River witnessing a significant drop in certain parts.

Speaking to ANI, one of the locals exhorted that they don't want even a single drop of water to be supplied to Pakistan while extending support to the Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, in the Akhnoor area, due to heavy rainfall on May 2, Chenab's water level rose, and police and the local administration urged locals to evacuate the area.

'...Chenab River's water level is about to increase soon. All of you are requested to come out of the river...' announced the police and local administration.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, the Indian government took various measures against Pakistan.

The steps include suspending the Indus Water Treaty signed between both countries in 1960. Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and asked to leave India within a week.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to taking strong action against terrorism and has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the Pahalgam attack face severe punishment. (ANI)