Indus Water Treaty: The Emerging Challenges in 21st Century

The article_ Indus Water Treaty: The Emerging Challenges in 21st Century includes a brief historical backdrop of the whole story that how the water conflict began between the two neighboring countries. It also encompasses that what are the new emerging challenges between the two states and what should be the policy recommendation.  

It all started back in 1947, when the two newly established realm emerged on the world map_ India and Pakistan. In the very beginning, Pakistan encountered with social, political, economic, geographical and hydrological challenges. One of the main hydrological challenge was the water apportionment between the two states. Each state claimed that water was her legal right that consequently, culminated in Indus Water disputes. 

 Blockage of water from upper riparian side on 1st April 1948 dismayed Pakistan for the use of such a natural resource, that was of para-mount significance for Pakistan. The Inter Dominion Accord, a temporal arrangement_ signed on 4th May 1948_ was the first breakthrough in this regard. According to the agreement, Pakistan would make an annual payment to India; in return, India would release sufficient water for irrigation in Pakistan. Both the parties agreed that the negotiation process would be followed for a permanent solution.

Owing to the lack of inclusivity and willingness, both the parties were reluctant to compromise on their respective stances. With the passage of time, several efforts were put in and consequently, culminated in Indus water treaty that was signed on 19th September 1960 by India and Pakistan under the auspices of the World Bank. The treaty ensures apportionment of water between the two states. As a consequence, waters of the eastern rivers; Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, were assigned exclusively to India, while Pakistan received exclusive water rights of the western rivers; the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. 

   The current dispute between India and Pakistan is over the Ratle dam on Chenab River in Kishtwar. After long delay, Indian government allocated PRs 5,282 crore for Ratle hydroelectric project in 2021, an 850 megawatt project. The recent development being made by Pakistan to keep the matter before The Court of Arbitration. India did not attend the proceedings of the Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

In contrast, India has been protesting against Pakistan’s Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) project. In December 2016, World Bank stopped both-process of appointing court of arbitration and a neutral expert to arbitrate. Another issue lies due to the construction of a 330 MW Kishanganga Hydro Electric Project which is located on Kishanganga, a tributary of Jehlum river, where Pakistan’s govt claims that the water is being diverted on the Indian side. 

Throughout the world, water issues or one could say that water wars have been surfacing since the changing climate has taken over the globe. One of the biggest problems Egypt has right now is over the waters of the Nile river. All it taking place is due to dwindling water resources. Pakistan’s case is appalling owing to its depleting per capita availability that has crossed down the water scarcity threshold by reaching to 800 cubic meters.  This rising water scarcity is also bringing a sense of fear for such a high populated state.

 Pakistan has faced pretty bad climate-induced flood last year affecting 33 million people and lost $30 billion to the feeble economy which is on the verge of default. In addition, cyclones killed and displaced thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and damaged infrastructure. The inimical climate change raises the prospect that these and other natural hazards will be taken place with greater frequency and intensity in the coming decades—a stark reminder that Pakistan is one of the country most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. That is why experts have also considered to revamp the Indus water treaty by giving climate change due consideration.

Apart from, it provides both countries with magnificent opportunities if harness to the fullest. If the construction of run-off river dams are ensured, it would provide water storing reservoir in Pakistan that would ultimately enhance the water storage capacity; it has now only 30 days_ India has 120-130 days_ which is too below than the international standard of 120 days. Pakistan can also utilize the water for its Indus Basin Irrigation system_ one of the oldest irrigation system_ to increase the crops productivity that would also enrich its agricultural output.

In a nutshell, both the countries should work with sanity in this regard by ensuring the efficacy of Permanent Indus Commission. If any of the party tries to violate any of the the twelve article of IWT, it should be resolved as per the rules mentioned in the treaty. God forbid, if any of the party uses its sentimental narrative and stubborn attitude, it could lead to some harsh and severe repercussions; it is alarming for both the states who have nuclear deterrence based relationship.