India’s Pursuit of Renegotiation and Review of the Indus Waters Treaty
India’s Pursuit of Renegotiation and Review of the Indus Waters Treaty
Sub: IR
Sec: India and world
Why in News:
In 2023, India has once again formally notified Pakistan seeking a “review and modification” of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This marks the second notice issued by India within a year, signalling its intent to renegotiate the 64-year-old treaty. The demand for renegotiation stems from multiple factors, including environmental concerns, terrorism, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
INDUS WATER TREATY
In the year 1960, India and Pakistan signed a water distribution agreement came to be known as Indus Waters Treaty which was orchestrated by the World Bank.
This agreement took nine years of negotiations and divides the control of six rivers between the two nations once signed.
Water Distribution:
India was granted control over the three Eastern Rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—enjoying “unrestricted use.”
Pakistan was allocated the three Western Rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
Under the treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of the three eastern rivers, averaging around 33 million acre-feet (MAF), were allocated to India for exclusive use.
The waters of the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab – averaging to around 135 MAF, were allocated to Pakistan except for ‘specified domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India,’ according to the treaty.
India must allow water to flow into Pakistan from the Western Rivers as per Article III (1) of the treaty.
Water Share: Under the treaty, India received approximately 30% of the water from the Indus River system, while Pakistan received 70%.
India has also been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river (RoR) projects on the western rivers which, subject to specific criteria for design and operation, is unrestricted.
Why India Seeks Renegotiation:
Changes in Circumstances: India argues that significant changes in population demographics, environmental factors, and the urgent need to accelerate clean energy development to meet emission targets warrant a reassessment of the treaty’s obligations.
Cross-border terrorism: Impact of these activities have also influenced India’s decision to renegotiate the treaty.
Hydroelectric Power Projects: India has initiated two major run-of-the-river hydropower projects:
Kishanganga Project (330 MW) on the tributary of Jhelum in Bandipora district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Rattle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district.
Pakistan has raised concerns, alleging these projects violate the IWT despite India maintaining they comply with the treaty’s provisions.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism in the IWT:
Indus Commissioners: First level of resolving disputes.
Neutral Expert: Appointed by the World Bank for technical objections.
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA): The final stage for adjudication.
Pakistan’s unilateral retraction of the Neutral Expert request and insistence on PCA arbitration was against the sequential process outlined in Article IX of the treaty.
World Bank’s Involvement: In 2016, the World Bank paused the dual processes (Neutral Expert and PCA) and urged India and Pakistan to resolve the matter through dialogue.
Eastern Rivers (India’s Control)
Beas River originates from Beas Kund in Himachal Pradesh, stretching 470 km before merging with the Sutlej. It is crucial for irrigation and hydropower, with the Pong Dam being a key project.
Ravi River rises in Himachal’s Dhauladhar Range, flows for 720 km through India and Pakistan, and is allocated to India under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), with the Ranjit Sagar Dam serving irrigation and energy needs.
Sutlej River, originating from Tibet, is the longest of the Punjab rivers (1,450 km), vital for irrigation in Punjab and Haryana, and hosts the Bhakra-Nangal Dam for hydropower.
Western Rivers (Pakistan’s Control)
Indus River starts near Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, flowing 3,180 km through China, India, and Pakistan. It is Pakistan’s primary water source.
Chenab River, originating from Himachal Pradesh, stretches 960 km, flowing into Pakistan and serving irrigation needs.
Jhelum River begins from Verinag Spring in Jammu & Kashmir, spans 725 km, and supports both irrigation and hydropower in Pakistan.