India Seeks Modifications to Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

 




    India has officially informed Pakistan about changes it wants to make to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing unexpected and significant reasons. This notice was given under Article XII(3) of the treaty, which allows changes to be made through a new agreement between the two countries. India had already sent a notice in January 2023 because of ongoing arguments about Indian hydropower projects.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

    The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 to help India and Pakistan share water from the Indus River and its tributaries. Under this treaty, India can use the Eastern Rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej), and Pakistan controls the Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum). The World Bank helped create this treaty to resolve water disputes after the partition of India. It also set up a Permanent Indus Commission to handle conflicts. Despite tensions, the treaty has survived wars and disputes, making it a rare success in managing water between two countries.

Dispute over Hydroelectric Projects

    India’s recent notice comes after years of disagreements with Pakistan over two Indian hydropower projects on the Kishanganga and Chenab rivers. Pakistan has raised concerns multiple times, leading to attempts to resolve the issue through the treaty’s dispute-resolution process. However, no final solution has been reached.

How Are Disputes Resolved Under the Treaty?
  • The IWT outlines a three-step process for solving disputes under Article IX:Indus Commissioners from both countries try to resolve the issue.
  • If they fail, a Neutral Expert is appointed to clarify.
  • If the issue still isn’t resolved, it can be taken to a Court of Arbitration.

Does India Want to Renegotiate?

    India’s notice shows that it is concerned about changes like population growth, environmental challenges, and cross-border terrorism. India believes that the original treaty, made in the 1960s, does not address modern issues like climate change. These concerns are pushing India to ask for a renegotiation of the treaty.

Key Events Since January 2023
  • April 2023: India holds a meeting to review the process for changing the treaty.
  • July 2023: The Court of Arbitration claims it has the power to deal with the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, but India disagrees.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dengue Surge Linked to Climate Change

Image
  Dengue Surge Linked to Climate Change      Dengue fever cases are at record levels worldwide, with studies linking 19% of the rise to climate change, which is expected to worsen by 2050. Predictions indicate a potential 40-60% rise in cases, with some areas facing increases of 150-200%. Current Global Context      Recently, nearly 12 million dengue cases were reported in the Americas. This marks an important rise from 4.6 million in 2023. Locally acquired infections have emerged in California and Florida. India is also experiencing a surge in cases. Research Findings      Researchers from Stanford and Harvard conducted a study on dengue incidence. They analyzed data from 21 countries in Asia and the Americas. The results show a direct correlation between rising temperatures and increasing dengue infections.      Dengue can cause mild to severe symptoms. Severe cases may lead to bleeding and shock. There are no specif...
Read more

Clean Ganga Mission to Start Dolphin Ambulance

Image
  Clean Ganga Mission to Start Dolphin Ambulance      The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is actively promoting conservation efforts and targeting the Ganga River’s biodiversity. They focus particularly on endangered species like the Ganga Dolphin . Recent developments include the introduction of a Dolphin Ambulance. This vehicle will aid in rescuing injured dolphins, which are crucial to the river’s ecosystem. Dolphin Ambulance Initiative      The Dolphin Ambulance project is titled Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins, which has a budget of Rs 1 crore. The ambulance will provide immediate care to injured dolphins. The initiative aims to enhance public awareness about dolphin conservation. Training will be provided to local communities. This training focuses on the effective management of dolphin-related issues. Additional Conservation Projects      NMCG has approved several other proje...
Read more

Operation Dronagiri

Image
  Operation Dronagiri      Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology , introduced Operation Dronagiri, which aligns with the National Geospatial Policy 2022. It aims to showcase geospatial technologies to enhance citizens’ quality of life and streamline business operations. Objectives of Operation Dronagiri      Operation Dronagiri focuses on three key sectors: Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Logistics and Transport. The initiative will be implemented in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Pilot projects will demonstrate the integration of geospatial data in these sectors.      The project will involve various stakeholders, including government departments, industries, corporates, and startups. This collaborative approach aims to create a robust foundation for a nationwide rollout. Engagement from the private sector is crucial for the project’s success. In...
Read more