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About Indus Water Treaty (IWT):
- It is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, and signed on September 19, 1960. The treaty allocates the use of the Indus River and its five tributaries between the two countries:
- Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are allocated to India.
- Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab are allocated to Pakistan.
Key Provisions
- Water Allocation: India has unrestricted use of the eastern rivers, while Pakistan receives the majority flow of the western rivers.
- Usage Rights: India can use water from the western rivers for non-consumptive needs like irrigation, transport, and power generation, but cannot interfere with the flow.
- Permanent Indus Commission: Established to resolve disputes and manage treaty compliance.
Benefits and Challenges
- Benefits: The treaty has survived multiple conflicts, providing a mechanism for cooperation and dispute resolution.
- Challenges: Recent geopolitical tensions have strained relations, with concerns over water management and infrastructure projects affecting river flows.
Recent Developments
- Hydroelectric Projects: Disputes over India’s hydroelectric projects on the western rivers have led to arbitration.
- Climate Change: Changing precipitation patterns and glacial melt impact water availability, necessitating updated cooperative measures.
Why in the News?
- Recently, the first Pakistan delegation visited India post Article 370 abrogation, for discussions regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).Â
