Font size:
Print
Indus Water Treaty
Why in the News?
A five-member Pakistani delegation visited Jammu’s Kishtwar to inspect power projects under the Indus Water Treaty, marking the first visit since Jammu & Kashmir’s special status was revoked in 2019.
More on News:
- A delegation from India, Pakistan, and World Bank experts visited the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) headquarters in Kishtwar to inspect the Ratle (850 MW) and Pakal Dul (1,000 MW) hydroelectric projects, amid Pakistan’s repeated objections to these and other projects in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- India opposes Pakistan’s parallel arbitration proceedings on the Kishanganga (330 MW) and Ratle projects, asserting its full rights over the eastern rivers and limited use of the western rivers under the Indus Water Treaty.
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
- The Indus Waters Treaty, inked on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan and facilitated by the World Bank, defines the rights and duties of both countries concerning the use of the waters from the Indus River system.
- Its core objective is to promote the collaborative and equitable management of this critical water resource, fostering cooperation between the signatory nations.
Post-Partition Tensions:
- The 1947 partition of British India into India and Pakistan divided the water system, placing headworks in India and canals flowing into Pakistan.
- India’s withholding of water from canals flowing into Pakistan in 1948 led to the Inter-Dominion Accord, which mandated India to supply water to Pakistan in exchange for annual payments, highlighting the need for a lasting resolution.
Negotiation and Signing: Mediated by the World Bank, negotiations began in earnest in 1951, with Prime Minister Nehru and President Ayub Khan finalising the treaty in 1960.
- Divided rivers into eastern (India) and western (Pakistan) sectors, allocating usage and establishing funding mechanisms for development projects.
Key Provisions of the Treaty:
- Water Allocation: Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum): Assigned to Pakistan for unrestricted use, with some allowances for India’s non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic uses.
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India for unrestricted use.
- This allocation means 80% of the water share goes to Pakistan, while 20% is allocated to India.
- Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): Ensures annual meetings for water-sharing discussions and dispute resolution.
- Dispute Resolution: Hierarchical process involving commissioner-level talks, neutral experts for technical disputes, and arbitration courts for legal disputes.
History of Disputes:
- Hydroelectric Projects: Disputes over Indian projects like Kishanganga and Ratle, affecting flow and usage rights under the treaty.
- Salal Dam Project: The dispute in 1970 over design concerns was resolved in 1978.
- Baglihar Hydropower Project: 1999 objections led to World Bank-mediated resolution through a Neutral Expert.
Criticisms and Challenges: While the IWT is considered one of the most successful cross-boundary water dispute treaties, its implementation has faced criticism:
- State-Sponsored Terrorism: The use of state-sponsored terrorism has led to the suspension of bi-annual dialogue between the Indus treaty commissioners.
- Technical Provisions: The highly technical nature of the treaty’s provisions leads to varied interpretations and disputes.
- Infrastructure and Utilisation: India has not fully utilised its water share, with significant amounts flowing unutilised to Pakistan.
Way Forward:
- Negotiation and Dialogue: Emphasise continuous dialogue through the PIC for mutual understanding and agreement.
- Technical Solutions: Utilise technical expertise for transparent and fair resolution of infrastructure and operational disputes.
- Mediation and Legal Recourse: Use World Bank mediation and arbitration mechanisms when bilateral negotiations falter.
- Long-term Cooperation: Address underlying political tensions through sustained dialogue and cooperation to ensure lasting water resource management solutions.
