The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan.
To prevent water disputes from
escalating into a war, the Indus Waters Treaty was negotiated, with the World Bank acting as a mediator.
· treaty made by World Bank and aimed to resolve water disputes between the two countries that shared the wate
of the Indus River system.
· uses:
irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use in both India and Pakistan.
...India is granted the exclusive rights to use the waters of the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) for irrigation,
power generation, and other uses.
...Pakistan has exclusive rights to use the waters of the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) for similar
purposes.
...The treaty allows for flood control measures, like the construction of dams, but it includes provisions to ensure
that such actions do not adversely affect the flow of water to the other country
.Development of Infrastructure: The treaty permits the construction of dams and barrages for hydropower and
other uses, but any projects on the western rivers are subject to specific guidelines and must be approved by a
Permanent Indus Commission, which consists of representatives from both countries. This commission is tasked
with resolving any issues related to the implementation of the treaty.
In 2001, India raised concerns about Pakistan’s development of projects on the western rivers, and in 2016, India
indicated it might reconsider its obligations under the treaty due to escalating tensions following the Uri attack.
The Permanent Indus Commission is still in operation, although its effectiveness has sometimes been questioned
due to geopolitical tensions.
PROBLEMS INDIA HAS WITH THE WATERS OF RIVER INDUS
These conflicts primarily arise from concerns about water security, the development of infrastructure, and
geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
...Usage of Western Rivers: India has been allowed to use the waters of the western rivers for non-consumptive
purposes, such as hydropower generation, but this has occasionally led to disputes. India’s efforts to build dams,
barrages, and power plants on these rivers have raised concerns in Pakistan about the potential reduction of water
flow, which could impact Pakistan’s agriculture, particularly in its Punjab region.
ISSUES:
Baglihar Dam (2005): issues was the construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. Pakistan raised
objections, arguing that the dam's design violated the provisions of the IWT and could significantly affect the flow
of water to Pakistan. India, however, argued that the dam was in line with the treaty’s stipulations for hydropower
development. This led to a dispute, which was taken to a World Bank-appointed neutral expert. The expert ruled
that the dam's design was mostly in accordance with the treaty, although some modifications were suggested.
The total storage capacity of the Baglihar Dam is approximately 0.5 million acre-feet (MAF), which is relatively
small compared to the annual flow of the Chenab River (around 35 MAF). Thus, its impact on overall water
availability is minimal.
The hydropower project also benefits Pakistan because it helps in downstream power generation and the
availability of irrigation water in the long term due to better water management.
Kishanganga Dam (2013): Another significant dispute arose over the Kishanganga Dam, a project on the
Kishanganga (Neelum) River, a tributary of the Jhelum River. Pakistan argued that the dam would reduce water
flow to Pakistan’s Neelum Valley. India, again, argued that the project was for hydropower generation and within
the treaty's provisions. The dispute was referred to international arbitration, and the court ruled in favor of India.
these projects are designed and operated within the parameters of the treaty, without significantly impacting the
flow of water to Pakistan.
The Kishanganga Dam is also a run-of-the-river project, which means it only diverts water for the purpose of
generating electricity and does not significantly alter the long-term flow of the river.
dam is being constructed to ensure greater water storage capacity and better utilization of water resources. By
storing excess water during the flood season, the dam can regulate water flow during lean periods, which benefits
both India and Pakistan in terms of water supply stability.
The diversion of water is limited to only a small fraction of the river’s flow, as the Jhelum River's average annual
flow is approximately 5.7 million acre-feet (MAF), and the dam's diversion is around 0.8 MAF.
· claims made by india to show that pak shud find another way to use the water and to store it than
blaiming india
to build infrastructure that is saving pak water eg dams
save the 30% water they are wasting
... India has consistently adhered to the treaty's provisions for over 60 years, even during times of conflict. This
demonstrates India's commitment to peaceful cooperation and respecting international agreements.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Acknowledge that the treaty has a mechanism for resolving disputes, and highlight
that India has always been open to dialogue and negotiations to address any concerns raised by Pakistan.
Specific Projects: If Pakistan raises concerns about specific projects like the Kishanganga or Ratle hydropower
plants, explain that these projects are compliant with the treaty's provisions and have been designed to minimize
any impact on downstream flows.
Climate Change: Acknowledge the potential impacts of climate change on the Indus basin and emphasize the need
for both countries to cooperate and adapt to these challenges
Water Conservation: Highlight India's efforts in water conservation and efficient irrigation practices to maximize
the use of available water resources.
Development Needs: Emphasize India's growing need for water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, while
acknowledging the importance of ensuring equitable access to water for all.
pakistan problems:
One of the major issues leading to water shortages in Pakistan is mismanagement of water resources. The country
relies heavily on the Indus system, but it has been criticized for inefficient irrigation systems, poor water
conservation practices, and inadequate infrastructure, leading to substantial water wastage.
Pakistan's agriculture sector, which consumes a significant portion of the water, is also inefficient in its use of water
resources. The inefficiency of the irrigation system in Pakistan is often a key contributor to water shortages, rather
than India’s hydropower projects.
Alternative Sources of Water:
It’s also important to note that Pakistan’s over-reliance on the Indus River system makes it vulnerable to upstream
changes. There are alternative sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting and improving groundwater
management, which Pakistan can tap into.
India, on the other hand, is making efforts to diversify its water sources and has implemented several water
conservation measures in the country.