INDIA AND PAK - INDUS WATER TREATY FULL REVIEW
The water dispute between India and Pakistan is rooted in the partition of British India in 1947. The Indus River System, which includes the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, flows through both countries. Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, India has control over the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi), while Pakistan has control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). The treaty was designed to ensure that both countries received a fair share of water from the Indus River System.
However, tensions have arisen between India and Pakistan over the years, as both countries have accused each other of violating the treaty. Pakistan has accused India of building dams on the western rivers, which it claims will reduce the flow of water to Pakistan. India, on the other hand, has accused Pakistan of diverting water from the western rivers and not using the water allocated to it efficiently.
The dispute over water has been a contentious issue between the two countries, as both rely heavily on the Indus River System for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. The dispute has also been complicated by political and security issues between the two countries.
- The water dispute between India and Pakistan is rooted in the partition of British India in 1947.
- The Indus River System flows through both countries and includes the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
- Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, India has control over the eastern rivers, while Pakistan has control over the western rivers.
- Both countries have accused each other of violating the treaty over the years.
- Pakistan has accused India of building dams on the western rivers, which it claims will reduce the flow of water to Pakistan.
- India has accused Pakistan of diverting water from the western rivers and not using the water allocated to it efficiently.
- The dispute over water has been a contentious issue between the two countries, as both rely heavily on the Indus River System for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
- The dispute has been complicated by political and security issues between the two countries.
WHAT HAPPEN IF THEY STOP WATER
If India were to completely stop the flow of water to Pakistan, it would have a significant impact on Pakistan's economy and agricultural sector, as the country is heavily dependent on the Indus River System for irrigation and hydropower. Similarly, if Pakistan were to stop the flow of water downstream, it would affect India's agricultural sector, as well as cause water shortages in some regions.
However, it is important to note that both countries are signatories to the Indus Waters Treaty and are bound by its provisions. The treaty includes dispute resolution mechanisms, including the appointment of a neutral expert or the establishment of a court of arbitration, to resolve disputes over water sharing.
Stopping the flow of water unilaterally would also have significant international repercussions, as it would violate international law and norms related to the use of shared water resources. It could lead to diplomatic and economic consequences for both countries, as well as regional instability. Therefore, it is in the interest of both India and Pakistan to continue to adhere to the treaty and resolve any disputes through established mechanisms.
IS WAR FOR WATER?
No, an atomic war should never be considered as a solution to any dispute, including a water dispute. The use of atomic weapons would have catastrophic humanitarian, environmental, and geopolitical consequences that would far outweigh any potential benefits.
It is important for India and Pakistan to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to their water dispute, in accordance with international law and norms. Both countries have the responsibility to work towards the sustainable management of shared water resources, and to address any issues related to water sharing in a peaceful and constructive manner.
Dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, as well as the involvement of neutral third-party facilitators or mediators, can help to de-escalate tensions and promote a more collaborative approach to water management. Ultimately, the well-being and prosperity of the people in both India and Pakistan depend on the sustainable use and management of shared water resources, and any dispute related to water should be resolved through peaceful means.