Indus Waters Treaty – UPSC Notes

The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The treaty defines how the water of the Indus River would be distributed between the two countries. The Indus Waters Treaty is an agreement on how the water of the Indus River and its tributaries would be shared by the two countries of India and Pakistan.

Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 in Karachi between India and Pakistan by then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then-Pakistan President Ayub Khan. It is a diplomatic agreement to resolve the conflicts between the most conflicted nations. The treaty was mediated by the World Bank.

In this article, we will learn about the Indus Waters Treaty, its provisions, significance, issues, and recent developments related to the Indus Waters Treaty.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty is an agreement that was signed on the background of the dispute that arose during the partition of India in 1947. The states that were formed were confused about how to divide the water between the two countries. Pakistan was threatened by the control of the tributaries of the Indus by India. As a result, the Inter-Dominion Accord of May 4, 1948, was proposed that require India to release water to Pakistan in return for annual payment from Pakistan. But this accord did not reach a mutual consent and was nullified.

Provisions on Indus Waters Treaty

The provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty are as follows:

• Usage of Water: Both India and Pakistan were given certain rights regarding the usage of the water of the Indus River for agriculture, electricity generation within their boundaries, irrigation etc.
• Division of Water: The Indus Waters Treaty has divided the Indus River into six parts. India has the right over Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej while Pakistan can use the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• The Permanent Indus Commission is a commission having officials from both India and Pakistan. It was formed to resolve any dispute arising between the two nations regarding the water-sharing.

Significance of the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty is significant because it portrays the intactness of the geo-political agreement through periods of high political tensions between the two countries. Both the nations of India and Pakistan have been subjected to several wars, yet the treaty is not largely violated by any of the countries. The treaty signifies the growing importance of sustainable development and careful usage of resources. It is also an example of how the needs of the population are greater than the internal conflicts between the countries. The treaty gives a message globally that such agreements can be achieved worldwide for the greater benefit of the people.

Indus Waters Treaty Issues

The challenges to the Indus Waters Treaty are high. One of the most challenging aspects is that the diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan are not smooth. There are constant tensions, war and challenges between the two countries. The other challenges include the increasing demand for water among the population of the two countries, the change in the pattern of climate, and the increasing requirement of water in several activities like agriculture, electricity generation, irrigation etc. To meet these challenges, both India and Pakistan need to reform the treaty according to the needs of the population.

Ways of Dispute Resolution Regarding Indus Waters Treaty

Some of the ways of dispute resolution are mentioned below:

• Permanent Indus Commission: The Permanent Indus Commission is appointed to resolve disputes between India and Pakistan regarding the sharing of water of the River Indus.
• Neutral Expert: A neutral expert has been appointed by the World Bank to look over any conflict regarding the water-sharing of the Indus River between India and Pakistan. If there is any conflict on the technical ground, either of the two countries can reach out to the neutral expert to seek a resolution.
• Permanent Court of Arbitration: The Permanent Court of Arbitration was set up to tend to the needs of India and Pakistan in case of any dispute regarding the division of water of the Indus River. If any country is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the neutral expert, they can approach the Permanent Court of Arbitration to seek a solution.

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Hydroelectric project

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) governs the utilization of the Indus River system, including its major tributaries, by India and Pakistan. Under this treaty, various hydroelectric projects have been developed by both countries.

• Mangla Dam and Power Station (Pakistan): Located on the Jhelum River, Mangla Dam serves both irrigation and power generation purposes. The Mangla Power Station generates electricity through the release of water from the dam.
• Tarbela Dam and Power Station (Pakistan): Situated on the Indus River, Tarbela Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams globally. The Tarbela Power Station is a crucial hydroelectric project contributing significantly to Pakistan’s power generation capacity.
• Baglihar Dam (India): Located on the Chenab River in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Baglihar Dam is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station developed by India.
• Salal Dam and Power Station (India): Salal Dam is on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The associated power station contributes to India’s hydroelectric power production.
• Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Project (Pakistan): Situated on the Neelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum River, this project aims to provide electricity to the region.

Recent Developments and Updates on Indus Waters Treaty

India has been involved in discussions following the guidelines of the Indus Waters Treaty. The most recent meeting took place in February 2023, with the next one held in September 2023. It’s important to note that India won’t engage in any unauthorized or parallel proceedings not specified by the treaty.

The Indian government is in conversation with Pakistan about adjusting the Indus Waters Treaty, as permitted by Article XII (3) of the treaty. This reflects the importance of modifying the agreement based on recent developments.

Conclusion – Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty is significant because it conveys a message of cooperation and agreement globally amidst tensions and wars. It shows that such a debatable issue can be resolved through mutual consent and proper diplomatic dialogues. The treaty has survived the most challenging geo-political transitions signifying the importance of the water resources among the world population. The dispute-resolving commissions indicate that there is always a way to appeal to greater authorities in case of any dispute. The treaty conveys a message of co-existence amidst chaos.

FAQs on the Indus Waters Treaty

1. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by whom from Pakistan?

The Indus Waters treaty was signed by Ayub Khan from the side of Pakistan. He was the president of Pakistan in 1960. The treaty was signed in Karachi.

2. How is the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 related to power generation in India?

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 gives India twenty per cent of the water of the River Indus. India can use this water in an unlimited manner for non-consumption from the Western end.

3. Who is the neutral expert in the Indus Waters Treaty?

Michel Lino is the neutral expert in the Indus Waters Treaty. He was appointed by the World Bank in 2022. He is assigned the responsibility of resolving any conflict that arises between India and Pakistan regarding the treaty.

4. What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty is an agreement of sharing water of the River Indus between India and Pakistan. The treaty was signed in 1960 in Karachi.

5. What is the Indus Waters Treaty PCA?

The Indus Waters Treaty PCA is the Permanent Court of Arbitration. It comes into play when there is any kind of conflict between India and Pakistan.

6. Indus waters treaty is signed between which two countries?

Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan