In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the Indian government has taken significant retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
What is Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank and signed on 19 September 1960 by then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistani President and Field Marshal Ayub Khan. It governs the usage of water from the Indus River system, which consists of six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Key Provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty:
Water Allocation:
India gets exclusive rights to use the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Pakistan gets exclusive rights to the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Permitted Uses for India on Western Rivers:
India can use the western rivers for non-consumptive uses like irrigation, hydropower generation, and navigation — but cannot store large volumes of water or divert flow in a way that harms Pakistan.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
The treaty includes provisions for resolving disputes via a Permanent Indus Commission, neutral experts, or even the International Court of Arbitration.
Potential Impacts on Pakistan if India Halts the Treaty:
The Indus Waters Treaty has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, surviving multiple conflicts. Its suspension carries significant ramifications:?
Water Scarcity:
Pakistan depends on the Indus system for about 90% of its agriculture. Even a partial disruption of water flow could lead to drought, reduced crop yields, and food insecurity.
Agricultural Impact:
The country’s key crops like wheat, rice, and cotton rely on irrigation from these rivers. Halted water supply could severely damage farming communities.
Hydropower Impact:
Pakistan generates hydropower using water from the Indus and its tributaries. Reduced water flow might affect energy production, exacerbating power shortages.
Environmental Concerns:
Changes in river flow patterns could cause ecological imbalances, wetland degradation, and groundwater depletion in Pakistan.
Diplomatic Strain:
The suspension may further deteriorate India-Pakistan relations, increasing regional tensions.?