Review Of Indus Water Treaty Under Increasing Water Demand And Changing Climate

Abstract

Indus water treaty is a water distribution treaty between two countries (India and Pakistan). In this Treaty the distribution of water of six rivers and their tributaries is discussed. These rivers are Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The purpose for reviewing Indus xwater treaty is to analyze the impacts of climate change on river flow and how those impacts could be translated to translate to the sharing mechanism. The treaty was signed by India and Pakistan on 19th September 1960 to regulate the distribution of water between two countries for six rivers and their tributaries but it does not describe the utilization of groundwater and the change in available water due to climate change. This research work reviews the treaty to indicate the deficiencies and how they impact both countries. This research work will also analyze the projects of India on Trans boundary Rivers viz; Baglihar dam and Wullar barrage and many other hydraulic structures and Pakistan’s objection on the construction of these structures. The research work will describe how these projects violate Indus water treaty and can create problems for Pakistan. This research will also analyze the effectiveness of water sharing mechanism in the present scenario. The research will also recommend, if there is a need to update Indus water treaty. It will also discuss the suggested changes which should be considered during the review of Indus water treaty.

Keywords: Indus water treaty, Review, Objectives. Conflicts, Solution