Overview of Indus Water Treaty
- The treaty governs the use of the six rivers of the Indus River Basin: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- It provides a framework for water sharing between the two countries for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses.
- The treaty has been effective since April 1, 1960.
History of Indus Water Treaty
- The treaty was signed by:
- Mohammad Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan)
- Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India)
- W.A.B. Iliff (Representative of the World Bank)
- Signed in Karachi, this treaty was seen as a way to peacefully manage cross-border water resources.
- It was necessitated due to water sharing conflicts post the partition of India in 1947.
Objectives of the Treaty
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan.
- Although India has restricted usage rights over Western rivers (non-consumptive use such as irrigation, navigation, hydropower), Pakistan has unrestricted usage over them.
Key Provisions
- India can use the Western rivers for:
- Run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects
- Limited irrigation purposes
- Both countries are required to exchange data regularly.
- Permanent Indus Commission was set up for dispute resolution and cooperation.
Why in the News?
- The treaty made headlines after terrorist attacks in the Kashmir Valley.
- India expressed its intent to review or suspend the treaty in light of cross-border tensions.
- There have been calls within India to maximize the usage of Eastern rivers and review the provisions of the treaty that favor Pakistan.
Significance of the Indus Water Treaty
- Peaceful coexistence: The treaty has survived wars, cross-border tensions, and diplomatic strains.
- Model agreement: It is considered a successful example of water conflict resolution in international relations.
- Economic development: Enabled both countries to build irrigation and power infrastructure.
Challenges & Criticism
- India’s limited use of Western rivers has been criticized domestically.
- Pakistan’s objections to India's hydro projects like Baglihar and Kishanganga dams.
- Climate change and glacier retreat are likely to affect river flows in the future.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Treaty Signed | September 19, 1960 |
| Treaty Effective | April 1, 1960 |
| Signed By | India, Pakistan, World Bank |
| Recent Update | Treaty under review (Post 2023 events) |
Indus Water Treaty Disputes: Ongoing Conflicts Between India and Pakistan Over River Waters
Despite being one of the most enduring water-sharing agreements in the world, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has not been free from conflicts. Over the past six decades, even though India and Pakistan fought wars and witnessed diplomatic tensions, the implementation of the treaty continued without major disruptions. However, in recent years, disputes have intensified over dam constructions, water usage, and interpretation of treaty clauses.
Key Disputes: Hydroelectric Projects on Western Rivers
Pakistan has raised strong objections over India’s hydroelectric projects being constructed on Western rivers—mainly the Jhelum and Chenab—which flow through Jammu and Kashmir. According to the treaty provisions, India is allowed limited usage of these rivers for irrigation and non-consumptive hydroelectric power generation.
Yet, projects like:
- Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project
- Ratle Hydroelectric Project
have triggered diplomatic tensions. Pakistan has approached the World Bank, requesting the formation of a Court of Arbitration, claiming that the projects violate the treaty. In response, the World Bank has appointed a neutral expert as per the conflict resolution mechanisms defined under the treaty.
India's Call for Treaty Review and Reforms
India has been demanding a review of the Indus Water Treaty for some time, citing:
- Changes in population and water demand since the treaty was signed in 1960
- Environmental and geographical shifts
- Political and strategic concerns in the region
India argues that the current treaty provisions no longer reflect present-day realities and need to be re-examined. However, Pakistan continues to oppose any modification, insisting on maintaining the treaty in its current form.
In light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Kashmir Valley), India has taken a firm stance by deciding to suspend the implementation of the Indus Water Treaty temporarily. This marks a significant shift in India's policy and indicates a tougher approach toward treaty enforcement amid rising tensions.
While the Indus Water Treaty was once hailed as a model of peaceful water cooperation, the growing disputes over river projects and calls for renegotiation are now challenging its future. With rising geopolitical tensions and increasing water needs, India-Pakistan water diplomacy will play a critical role in regional stability.
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