Fiza Shaheen
The Indus Waters Treaty is a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It was formulated to resolve disputes over the utilization of the Indus River system, which is vital for the agriculture, energy, and livelihoods of both nations. The river system comprises six major rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Under the treaty, the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to Pakistan, while the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej were allocated to India. Given that India was already utilizing the eastern rivers and Pakistan heavily depends on the western rivers for its water needs, this division aimed to provide a fair and practical solution. India was permitted to use the western rivers for limited non-consumptive purposes such as irrigation, transport, and hydropower generation, provided these uses did not interfere with the water flow to Pakistan. Despite several armed conflicts between the two countries, the treaty has endured and is often regarded as a successful model of conflict resolution. A Permanent Indus Commission, consisting of representatives from both countries, was established to facilitate data exchange and resolve water-related issues. However, the treaty now faces mounting challenges. Climate change, glacial retreat, and increasing water demand due to population growth are placing significant strain on the river system. Pakistan frequently raises concerns about Indian dam projects on the western rivers, fearing they could provide India with strategic leverage or reduce water flow. India, on the other hand, asserts that these projects comply with the treaty’s provisions and that Pakistan’s objections are unfounded. Furthermore, the treaty has not been updated to address modern environmental and technical challenges such as groundwater depletion, pollution, and global warming. Although dialogue has been pursued, entrenched mistrust continues to hinder effective cooperation.
The Indus River system, comprising six principal rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej became a contentious issue following the 1947 partition of British India. The creation of India and Pakistan introduced new political boundaries, making the distribution of water resources a critical concern. A formal agreement became essential to prevent future disputes and ensure stable water sharing between the two nations.
The treaty, signed in 1960, outlines the following arrangements:
- Eastern Rivers: India received exclusive rights over the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. It is permitted full use of these rivers for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Pakistan, while not allowed to obstruct India’s use, is permitted limited use for irrigation.
- Western Rivers: The Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers were allocated to Pakistan. These rivers are crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. India is allowed non-consumptive uses such as limited irrigation and hydropower generation, provided these activities do not reduce the quantity or alter the timing of water flows into Pakistan.
The treaty has played a crucial role in ensuring relatively stable water relations between India and Pakistan. It has enabled the development of water management infrastructure and supported agricultural productivity in both countries. Nonetheless, several pressing issues now confront the treaty’s continued effectiveness:
- Water Scarcity: Rapid population growth in both nations has significantly increased the demand for freshwater. Climate change is impacting rainfall patterns and accelerating the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Inefficient irrigation systems, pollution, and limited storage capacity further exacerbate water stress.
- Political Tensions: Although the treaty is often considered a symbol of cooperation, it becomes contentious during periods of heightened political tensions. India has occasionally expressed interest in revisiting the treaty due to broader geopolitical disputes. Pakistan routinely protests against Indian hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, fearing a negative impact on water flows.
- Environmental Concerns: Infrastructure projects permitted under the treaty, such as dams and barrages, can disrupt ecosystems, displace communities, and degrade wetlands and fisheries. Changes in river flow can affect biodiversity and reduce the ecosystem’s ability to adapt to climate change.
These developments underscore the urgent need to modernize the treaty to address evolving environmental, technical, and geopolitical realities. Reaffirmed in October 2023, the Indus Waters Treaty remains a cornerstone for the management of the Indus River system. While it has withstood decades of political and military strain, it now confronts more complex and urgent challenges:
- Water Shortages: Rising populations and unpredictable water availability due to climate change have heightened water stress. Poor water management practices, including inefficient irrigation and widespread pollution, further strain the system.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Despite the treaty’s relative detachment from broader conflicts, periods of increased hostility have led to calls within India to reassess the agreement. Pakistan has objected to Indian projects such as the Kishanganga and Ratle dams, fearing detrimental effects on downstream water availability. India maintains these projects are in compliance with treaty stipulations.
- Environmental Degradation: Construction of dams and canals may alter sediment flow, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. Downstream communities in Pakistan often face water scarcity and declining agricultural yields.
Despite these difficulties, opportunities for cooperation remain. Modernizing the treaty could involve incorporating environmental safeguards, improving transparency in data sharing and project planning, and possibly engaging third-party mediators like the World Bank to restore trust and facilitate dialogue. The Indus Waters Treaty has served as a durable framework for water-sharing between India and Pakistan, even during times of significant political turmoil. However, new and persistent challenges necessitate renewed focus and collaboration. Urbanization, population growth, and unsustainable water practices are intensifying water scarcity. Climate change compounds these problems by altering precipitation patterns and accelerating glacial melt. Political disagreements over Indian infrastructure projects on the western rivers have deepened mutual distrust. Although dispute resolution mechanisms exist, mutual confidence remains fragile. Environmental concerns are increasingly salient, as large-scale infrastructure and altered hydrological flows threaten ecosystems and downstream communities. To ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of the treaty, both nations must commit to its modernization, enhance communication, and pursue sustainable water management strategies. Only through genuine cooperation can they secure shared water resources for future generations.
Fiza Shaheen
DPT University of Okara
