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Indus Water Treaty
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The Neutral Expert appointed under the Indus water treaty, 1960, decided that he was competent to decide on differences between India and Pakistan on the design of hydroelectric projects built on the Indus Water treaty rivers built on Indus treaty rivers, India, in a statement welcomed the move.
About
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It is considered one of the most successful water-sharing treaties globally, surviving several conflicts between the two nations.
Key Features of the Indus Water Treaty:
- Rivers Covered:
- The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus River System into two categories:
- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (allocated to India).
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab (allocated to Pakistan).
- The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus River System into two categories:
- Water Allocation:
- India has unrestricted rights to use the waters of the Eastern Rivers for consumption, irrigation, and hydropower.
- Pakistan has exclusive rights to the Western Rivers, though India is permitted limited usage for non-consumptive purposes like navigation, hydropower generation, and agriculture.
- Permanent Indus Commission:
- The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission with representatives from both countries to address issues, share data, and resolve disputes.
- Dispute Resolution:
- A multi-tiered process involving negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
- The World Bank plays a supervisory role in dispute resolution.
- Flexibility for Infrastructure Development:
- India can develop projects on the Western Rivers, but with conditions to ensure downstream water flow for Pakistan.
Significance of the Treaty:
- It ensures equitable water sharing despite the adversarial relationship between the two countries.
- Provides a legal framework to address water disputes.
- Helps in water resource management and regional stability.
Challenges and Controversies:
- India's Perspective: There are concerns that the treaty unfairly limits India's use of the Western Rivers.
- Pakistan's Perspective: Fear that Indian infrastructure projects, like dams and hydropower plants, could disrupt water flow to Pakistan.
- Climate Change: Changing rainfall patterns and glacial melting have increased stress on water resources.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Tensions over Kashmir and cross-border conflicts have occasionally brought the treaty under strain.
Despite these challenges, the Indus Water Treaty remains a critical instrument for water management and cooperation between India and Pakistan.
-- Daily News Section Compiled
By Vishwas Nimbalkar