Indus Water Treaty

India has sent a formal notice to Pakistan requesting changes to the Indus Water Treaty.

More on the news

• The notice mentions that there have been fundamental changes in circumstances that need a review of the treaty.
• In January 2023, India had also sent a similar notice to Pakistan asking for amendments to the treaty.

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About Indus Water Treaty 

• The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.
  • It was  arranged by the World Bank.
• It was signed in 1960 in Karachi between Jawaharlal Nehru and Ayub Khan.  
• The treaty regulates the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries.

• Key Provisions of Indus Water Treaty

• • The treaty ensures fair water usage by both countries and sets guidelines for building projects over the rivers.
  • Focuses on cooperation and goodwill between the nations for optimum water use.
  • It has established the Permanent Indus Commission to resolve disputes.
  • The treaty has survived several wars and provided a mechanism for conflict resolution.
  • Permanent Indus Commission
    • It involves commissioners from both countries to oversee cooperation and dispute resolution.
    • The commission has survived three wars and ensures annual inspections, data exchanges, and meetings.
    • Both commissioners submit an annual report.
      • Although these reports are not made public.

Distribution of Rivers and Water

• Eastern Rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej): India controls these rivers with a total flow of 41 billion m³ annually.
  • India gets most of the water from eastern rivers (80%).
• Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum): Pakistan controls these rivers with a total flow of 99 billion m³ annually.
  • Pakistan gets most of the water from western rivers (80%). 
    • India can use the Western Rivers for limited irrigation and non-consumptive purposes like power generation and navigation.

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Issues and Concerns

• Ratle Plant Dispute: Pakistan objects to India’s 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Plant and seeks arbitration to resolve the issue.
  • Disputes like Baglihar Power Plant and Kishanganga Plant were resolved through the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) or neutral experts.
• Groundwater Use: Pakistan uses groundwater from eastern rivers ( Ravi and Sutlej) but India does not raise formal objections. 
  • However, It is a potential treaty violation by Pakistan
  • India’s attempts to use water or build dams often face objections from Pakistan.
    • The Tulbul Navigation Project is an example of such a dispute.
  • Flooding in Kutch: Pakistan’s river works cause flooding in India’s Great Rann of Kutch, violating the treaty.

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