The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, with the help of the World Bank, to regulate the flow of the Indus River and its tributaries. The treaty is considered to be one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. Here are some key points about the treaty:
- The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus system into two groups: the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
- India has unrestricted use of the eastern rivers, while Pakistan has exclusive use of the western rivers.
- India is allowed to use up to 20% of the western rivers' water for non-consumptive uses, including irrigation, power generation, and domestic use.
- Pakistan receives most of the water from the Indus River, which is crucial to its agriculture-based economy.
- The treaty provides for the establishment of a Permanent Indus Commission, which meets regularly to discuss and resolve any issues or disputes related to the implementation of the treaty.
- The treaty has survived multiple wars and conflicts between India and Pakistan, and has been praised for its effectiveness in preventing water-related disputes.
- However, the treaty has also faced criticism for being outdated, as it does not address issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, and the construction of new dams and hydropower projects on the rivers.
Overall, the Indus Water Treaty remains a significant milestone in the history of water-sharing agreements and has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability between India and Pakistan.