Indus Water Treaty
Date: 02 June 2022 Tags: India & WorldIssue
Officials of India and Pakistan meet for the annual meeting under the Indus Water Treaty in New Delhi.
Background
The treaty was signed to help both nations to share the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin.
Details
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The treaty was signed in 1960 after several years of negotiations. The World Bank acted as an intermediary while negotiating the treaty.
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It was signed in Karachi by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
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The treaty created Permanent Indus Commission, which aimed to build cooperation and information exchange between the two neighbours over the use of the rivers.
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Countries have to appoint commissioner for managing Indus water, who meet at least once a year in either of the two countries.
Highlights
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Based on the treaty, the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) are allocated to India.
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The treaty covers use of river water for various purposes, including irrigation and hydropower development.
Rights on river
Even though western rivers are allocated to Pakistan, India can utilize the river waters for hydroelectric projects.
Significance
The treaty is an example of successful international treaties that withstood the test of time, even after the two countries fought bloody wars.