Indus Water Treaty (IWT):
The Indus Water Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, was brokered by the World Bank. It established cooperation over the use of the Indus River and its tributaries—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Key Provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Water Sharing:
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- Allocates the three western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan, with limited non-consumptive, agricultural, and domestic uses for India. The three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) are allocated to India for unrestricted use.
- Result: 80% of water share goes to Pakistan, 20% to India.
- Permanent Indus Commission:
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- Both countries must establish a Permanent Indus Commission, meeting annually.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
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- A three-step process: issues are addressed first by the Permanent Commission, then at the inter-government level.
- Unresolved disputes go to a World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert, with further appeals to a World Bank-supported Court of Arbitration if necessary.
Various Projects to be Inspected Under IWT (Indus Waters Treaty)
- Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai:
- Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project: Built on the Marusudar River, a tributary of the Chenab.
- Lower Kalnai Project: Developed directly on the Chenab River.
- Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project:
- A run-of-the-river project located in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Pakistan raised objections, arguing it would affect the flow of the Kishanganga River (known as the Neelum River in Pakistan).
- In 2013, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration (CoA) ruled in India’s favor, allowing water diversion with certain conditions.
- Ratle Hydroelectric Project:
- A run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station located on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indus Waters Treaty, treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan and brokered by the World Bank. The treaty fixed and delimited the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of the waters of the Indus River system.
