List of Current water disputes and the Indus Waters Treaty

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Detailed Solution

Water sharing in the Indus basin is a critical and sensitive issue, primarily between India and Pakistan. The governing framework is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank.

Key Provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty:

Eastern Rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej): All waters of these rivers were allocated to India for unrestricted use.
Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): All waters were allocated to Pakistan, but India is permitted certain "non-consumptive" uses, such as for run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, domestic use, and agriculture, subject to strict criteria.

Current Disputes: Despite its general success in preventing water wars, the treaty is a source of ongoing diplomatic tension. Disputes often arise over India's construction of hydroelectric dams on the Western Rivers (e.g., the Kishanganga and Ratle projects). Pakistan has frequently raised objections, claiming these projects violate the treaty's terms by altering water flow. These disagreements are typically handled through the treaty's dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Permanent Indus Commission and international arbitration.

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