Indus Water Treaty Latest News
Recently, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.
About Indus Water Treaty
- The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank acting as a mediator.
- The treaty was designed to ensure cooperation and information-sharing between the two countries regarding water use from the Indus River system, which includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- The treaty allocated the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan for unrestricted use, while India retained the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—for its exclusive use.
- India was allowed limited, non-consumptive uses of the western rivers for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes, under strict conditions.
- This arrangement meant that around 80% of the total water volume was granted to Pakistan, while India received the remaining 20%.
- To manage the treaty’s implementation, both nations agreed to establish a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which is required to meet annually to discuss technical matters and facilitate data exchange.
Source:Â BT
Indus Water Treaty FAQs
Q1: What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Ans: The Indus Waters Treaty is a 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan governing the sharing of the Indus river system.
Q2: What recent action has India taken regarding the treaty?
Ans: India has suspended the treaty, signaling a shift toward greater control over its rivers and faster dam construction.
Q3: How could this affect Pakistan?
Ans: Pakistan may face reduced water availability, lower crop yields, power shortages, economic fallout, and increased inter-provincial tensions.
