Water Use under Indus Pact

Indus Waters Treaty has raised the possibility that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government may seek to alter or scrap the provisions of the 1960 pact with Pakistan. Government is under public pressure to take action against Pakistan to rein in terrorism. India looks to speed up its three proposed hydro-power projects on western rivers in J&K.

Highlights

  • The government wants to expedite work on three hydro power projects in Sawalkote, Pakal Dul and Bursar on the Chenab and its tributary in Jammu and Kashmir after it reviewed the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • Three projects can potentially generate 3656 MW of energy which will give a huge boost to the power-deficit state.
  • The work on the projects would not violate the principles of IWT or hamper the flow of water to Pakistan.
Three Hydro Power Projects J&K

About Indus Waters Treaty

  • It is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan.
  • Brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) .
  • The treaty was signed in Karachi on September 19,1960 by Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
  • Control over the three “eastern” rivers - the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej - was given to India.
  • While control over the three “western” rivers - the Indus (Sindhu) , the Chenab and the Jhelum - to Pakistan.
  • Since Pakistan՚s rivers flow through India first, the treaty allowed India to use them for irrigation, transport and power generation.
  • While laying down precise regulations for Indian building projects along the way.
  • It could potentially create droughts and famines in Pakistan, especially at times of war.

About Indus River and Its Tributaries

  • The Indus River of Pakistan, locally called Darya-e-Sindh and Abasin, is a major river in Asia.
  • Length of the river is 3,180 km making it one of longest rivers in Asia.
  • Originates in the western part of Tibet near Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
  • It is the longest river of Pakistan.
  • 25th largest in the world in terms of annual flow.

Tributaries of Indus River

  • The Zanskar is its left bank tributary in Ladakh.
  • Major left bank tributary is the Chenab. Four major tributaries of Chenab include Jhelum, the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej.
  • Major right bank tributaries are the Shyok, the Gilgit, the Kabul, the Gomal, and the Kurram.
Location of Hydro Power Projects on J & K

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021