The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, to resolve water-sharing issues related to the Indus River system. The treaty provides for the division of the six rivers of the Indus system between the two countries. The treaty gives India control over the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi – while Pakistan is given control over the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
The treaty has stood the test of time and has been one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It has survived three wars between India and Pakistan and has continued to function through various tensions and conflicts between the two countries. The treaty has a well-defined mechanism for conflict resolution, including the establishment of the Permanent Indus Commission, which has been effective in resolving disputes related to the implementation of the treaty.
In recent years, there have been some concerns raised by both India and Pakistan about the implementation of the treaty. India has raised concerns about the construction of dams by Pakistan on the western rivers, while Pakistan has raised concerns about the construction of hydroelectric projects by India on the eastern rivers. However, both countries have expressed their commitment to the treaty and have stated that they will resolve any disputes through the established mechanisms.
The Indus Water Treaty is an important topic for the UPSC examination, as it is a crucial aspect of India’s relations with Pakistan and has important implications for water security in both countries. Candidates should have a clear understanding of the provisions of the treaty, its history, and the current issues and concerns related to its implementation.
What is Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, to resolve water-sharing issues related to the Indus River system. The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus system between India and Pakistan and provides for the establishment of the Permanent Indus Commission to resolve any disputes that may arise. India is given control over the eastern rivers, while Pakistan is given control over the western rivers. The treaty is one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world and has continued to function through various tensions and conflicts between the two countries.
Indus Water Treaty 1960 UPSC Notes
The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, to resolve water-sharing issues related to the Indus River system. The treaty is one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world and has continued to function through various tensions and conflicts between the two countries.
The key provisions of the Indus Water Treaty are as follows:
- The treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus system between India and Pakistan. India is given control over the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi – while Pakistan is given control over the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- India is allowed to use the water of the three eastern rivers for irrigation, domestic use, and hydropower generation, while it is required to let the western rivers flow freely into Pakistan.
- The treaty establishes the Permanent Indus Commission, which is responsible for the implementation of the treaty, resolving any disputes that may arise, and carrying out inspections of the rivers.
- The treaty also provides for the establishment of a mechanism for conflict resolution, including the appointment of neutral experts and the referral of disputes to an arbitration tribunal.
- The World Bank plays an important role in the treaty, providing financial and technical assistance to both countries for the development of water infrastructure and the resolution of disputes.
In recent years, there have been some concerns raised by both India and Pakistan about the implementation of the treaty. India has raised concerns about the construction of dams by Pakistan on the western rivers, while Pakistan has raised concerns about the construction of hydroelectric projects by India on the eastern rivers. However, both countries have expressed their commitment to the treaty and have stated that they will resolve any disputes through the established mechanisms.
Overall, the Indus Water Treaty is an important topic for the UPSC exam preparation, as it is a crucial aspect of India’s relations with Pakistan and has important implications for water security in both countries. Candidates should have a clear understanding of the provisions of the treaty, its history, and the current issues and concerns related to its implementation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indus Water Treaty is an important international agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 to resolve water-sharing issues related to the Indus River system. The treaty provides for the division of the six rivers of the Indus system between the two countries and has a well-defined mechanism for conflict resolution.
Despite some concerns raised by both countries about the implementation of the treaty, it has stood the test of time and has been one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It is an important topic for the UPSC examination, as it has important implications for water security in both countries and is a crucial aspect of India’s relations with Pakistan.
