INDUS WATER TREATY
FOR JK POLICE CONSTABLE
EXAM
Indus Water Treaty
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is one of the most important water-
distribution agreements in the world. It was signed between India and
Pakistan in 19 September 1960 with the help of the World Bank. Here's a
detailed overiew for competitive exams.
It was signed by PM of India Pt. Jawarlal Nehru and President of Pakistan
Ayub Khan with the help of World Bank.
Eugene Black was the president of the World Bank when the Indus Waters
Treaty was signed in 1960.
Ajay Banga is the President of the World Bank currently.
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Background and Historical Context
Partition of 1947: When India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947,
the Indus River system was divided between the two countries. While
the headworks (sources) of the rivers were in India, most of the
irrigated land was in Pakistan, leading to disputes over water-sharing.
Initial Disputes: After partition, both nations faced disagreements
about the usage of the Indus River waters, as the rivers flowing from
India had a significant impact on Pakistan’s agriculture.
Indus River System
• The Indus River system consists of six major rivers: Indus, Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
• These rivers flow through Tibet, India, and Pakistan, making it crucial
for both India and Pakistan to come to an agreement over their
usage.
The Indus River system has a total of 16.8 crore acre-feet of water, and
the Indus Waters Treaty allocates this water between India and
Pakistan as follows:
Signing of the Treaty
• The Indus Water Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, by:
• Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India.
• Ayub Khan, the then President of Pakistan.
• The treaty was brokered by the World Bank.
Key Provisions of the Indus Water Treaty
Division of Rivers:
Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej): Allocated to India. India has full
rights to use the waters of these rivers for irrigation, power generation,
and other purposes.
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Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan.
India is allowed to use these rivers for limited non-consumptive uses
(e.g., irrigation, navigation, and hydroelectric power generation),
without affecting the flow to Pakistan.
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Water Sharing:
India has control over approximately 20% of the water from the Indus
river system, while Pakistan controls the remaining 80%
Important notes :
As per the treaty, the Water Commission of Pakistan and India are
required to meet twice a year and arrange technical visits to Projects
sites and critical river water head works. Both the side share details of
the water flow and the quantum of water being used under the treaty.
A permanent indus commission was set up by the United nations for Resolving any
disputes that may arise in water sharing with a mechanism for arbitration to
resolve conflicts amicably.
The Treaty has no provision for either country unilaterally walking out of the Pact ,
Article 12 of the Treaty – The provision of this Treaty or the are modified under the
provision of the paragraph ( 3) shall continue in force until terminated by a duly
ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments.
.
Shahpur Kandi Project – New Project – Punjab
Sutluj Beas link in Punjab – New Project
Ujh Dam in Kashmir – New Project
Why it is in News.
Recently, the union Water Minister has said that the government under the
Indus water treaty 1960 has decided to stop its share of water which earlier
used to flow to Pakistan.
The government will divert water from the eastern rivers to Jammu and
Kashmir. The government decision will not impact Pakistan share of water
under the indus water treaty held in 1960.
Shri C R Paatil is Jal shakti Minister of india Presently.
Hydroelectric Projects:
India can build dams and hydroelectric projects on the western rivers,
but with certain restrictions.
Any construction projects on these rivers must not disrupt the flow of
water into Pakistan. Disputes about such projects can be raised by
Pakistan.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
• The treaty establishes a Permanent Indus Commission, with
representatives from both India and Pakistan, to resolve disputes and
monitor the implementation of the treaty.
If bilateral talks fail, the treaty provides for the involvement of neutral
experts, arbitration, and even international courts if necessary.
The Permanent indus Commission is the most consequential product
of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, to manage the
sharing of six Himalayan rivers between India and Pakistan.
• Significant Projects under the Treaty
• Baglihar Dam:
• A hydroelectric dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan raised
objections, but the dam was found to comply with the treaty by a neutral expert
appointed by the World Bank.
• Kishanganga Project:
• A hydroelectric project on the Jhelum River. Pakistan took the issue to the
International Court of Arbitration, which allowed India to continue the project with
some modifications to ensure water flow to Pakistan.
• Tulbul Navigation Project:
• A project on the Jhelum River that has been a point of contention between India and
Pakistan, as it involves the construction of a barrage for improving navigation in the
Kashmir valley.
• Key Takeaways for Exams
• Date of Signing: September 19, 1960.
• Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (allocated to India).
• Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (allocated to Pakistan, with India
having limited usage rights).
• Broker: The World Bank played a crucial role in brokering the treaty.
• Dispute Resolution: Permanent Indus Commission, neutral experts, and
arbitration.
• Impact: Despite several wars and tensions between India and Pakistan, the
treaty has remained intact for over 60 years, symbolizing successful
international cooperation.
The Indus Water Treaty was signed in which year?
a) 1947
b) 1955
c) 1960
d) 1965
Which organization played a significant role in mediating the Indus
Water Treaty?
a) United Nations
b) World Health Organization
c) World Bank
d) International Monetary Fund
Which of the following rivers were allocated to India under the Indus
Water Treaty?
a) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
b) Beas, Ravi, Sutlej
c) Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum
d) Indus, Beas, Sutlej
Which of the following rivers are controlled by Pakistan under the
Indus Water Treaty?
a) Beas, Ravi, Sutlej
b) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
c) Indus, Beas, Ravi
d) Chenab, Sutlej, Beas
Which Indian Prime Minister signed the Indus Water Treaty?
a) Lal Bahadur Shastri
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Indira Gandhi
d) Rajiv Gandhi
Which country controls about 80% of the water in the Indus river
system as per the Indus Water Treaty?
a) China
b) India
c) Pakistan
d) Nepal
Which of the following is the dispute resolution body under the Indus
Water Treaty?
a) Permanent Court of Arbitration
b) International Court of Justice
c) Permanent Indus Commission
d) United Nations Water Council
Which Pakistani President signed the Indus Water Treaty?
a) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
b) Ayub Khan
c) Pervez Musharraf
d) Iskander Mirza
Which of the following rivers is NOT a part of the Indus River system
covered under the Indus Water Treaty?
a) Ganges
b) Ravi
c) Chenab
d) Sutlej
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