Why in the News?

In response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack, India has officially announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan.

About the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

IWT was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with mediation from the World Bank.
The treaty allocates the Western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan, and the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India.
Approximately 80% of the water is allocated to Pakistan, with 20% to India.
The Permanent Indus Commission was established to facilitate communication and dispute resolution.
The treaty includes a three-step process for resolving disputes, which involves the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts (appointed by World Bank), and a Court of Arbitration if needed.

India’s Opportunities:
- Though not immediately, but India can now control the water flow from the Indus River system, allowing it to divert, stop, or alter the flow of water.
- India can expand hydroelectric projects on the Western rivers, such as the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects, with more projects under scrutiny.
Impact on Pakistan:
- Agriculture: Pakistan’s agricultural sector heavily depends on the Indus River, and any disruption could cause food insecurity and economic distress for millions of farmers.
- Power Supply: Pakistan’s hydroelectric power generation depends on the water flow, with Tarbela Dam (on the Indus River) and Mangla Dam (on the Jhelum River) facing reduced water supplies, leading to electricity shortages.

No Legal Exit: No legal exit clause in the treaty; also, India cannot unilaterally suspend it.
Dispute Resolution: Pakistan can approach the Permanent Indus Commission, request Neutral Experts, or escalate to the World Bank’s Court of Arbitration.
International Diplomacy: Pakistan may seek diplomatic solutions through international forums, including leveraging support from other nations.

[UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.

2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank.

Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

[UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indus River system, among the following four rivers, one of them joins the Indus directly:

Options: (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej