Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Kashmir, there flowed a river named Kishanganga. Well, actually, it flows through both sides, so let’s call it the Schrödinger’s River for now. Originating in the picturesque Ganderbal district, near Krishansar Lake, these 254 km-long waterways had ambitions of peaceful meandering. Little did it know, it was about to become the star of a never-ending soap opera.

As Kishanganga made its merry way through the Tulail and Gurez valleys, it had to make a tough decision – whether to join the Indian side or the Pakistani side. Talk about a mid-stream crisis! Eventually, it decided to play it cool and straddle the line, much to the confusion of cartographers everywhere.

But wait, there’s more drama! Just when Kishanganga thought it had found its groove, it stumbled upon Village Tarabal in the Baktoor sector. Here, it faced the ultimate crossroads – to leave Kashmir and enter Pakistan or to continue its ambiguous existence. Spoiler alert: it chose to cross the border, waving goodbye to Kashmir at Tarabal and said hello to Village Taobat in Neelum district.

Now, you’d think a river would have it easy, right? Wrong! Kishanganga quickly found itself in the middle of a heated tug-of-war between India and Pakistan. Both sides claimed it as their own, one side wanting to build damn and the other one obviously opposing it, like parents fighting over custody of their favourite child.

In the ongoing saga of Kishanganga, there’s the main topic of contention, the Kishanganga Project! Picture this: a multi-billion-rupee extravaganza built on the banks of a river caught in a crossfire. It’s like hosting a lavish party in the middle of a battlefield – ambitious, to say the least.

So, what’s the fuss all about? Well, according to Pakistan, this project is the ultimate betrayal, a slap in the face of the sacred 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. It’s as if Kishanganga woke up one day to find its waters rerouted, its flow disrupted, and its tranquility shattered by the sound of construction machinery. But fear not, dear reader, for amidst the chaos and confusion, the dam was built and it is a run-of- the- river hydroelectric scheme and has an installed capacity of 330MV.

Meanwhile, Kishanganga continues its journey, blissfully unaware of the geopolitical drama unfolding around it. It’s like watching a river cruise through a minefield, dodging controversies and dams with the finesse of a seasoned acrobat.

The poor river became the Kashmir of rivers – constantly under tension, always at risk of boiling over, and forever stuck in geopolitical limbo, specially at international court of arbitration. If only rivers could attend therapy sessions, Kishanganga would be the first in line, ready to spill its troubles.

But, Kishanganga remains steadfast, flowing through the Valley with a resilience that puts even the most stubborn politicians to shame. Who needs peace talks when you have a river teaching the world the art of compromise?

Now, let’s dive deeper into the turbulent waters of Kishanganga’s journey. Did you know that the river’s name, “Kishanganga,” is derived from the Hindu god Krishna? Legend has it that Lord Krishna himself once danced along its banks, leaving behind a trail of divine energy. Whether you believe in folklore or not, one thing’s for sure – Kishanganga has always been a source of inspiration and mystique for the people of Kashmir.

And speaking of inspiration, let’s not forget the role Kishanganga plays in the region’s biodiversity. The river is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, providing sustenance and shelter to countless species. From majestic Himalayan eagles soaring high above to tiny fish darting through its crystal-clear waters, Kishanganga is a bustling ecosystem teeming with life.

But it’s not all sunshine and butterflies – or should we say, sunshine and rainbow trout? Kishanganga faces threats from pollution, deforestation, and, of course, the ever-looming spectre of human conflict. It’s a reminder that even nature’s most resilient creations are not immune to the follies of mankind. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Kishanganga continues to flow, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history. It’s a testament to the power of nature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring beauty of Kashmir’s landscape. So, the next time you gaze upon the shimmering waters of Kishanganga, remember the story behind its serenity – a tale of struggle, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a river caught in the crossfire of geopolitics. And perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll find a newfound appreciation for the beauty that lies within its gentle flow.