Indus Basin rivers backbone of Pak GDP, key to maintain food security

INDIA has suspended the 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in response to Pakistan's role in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY

What is Indus Water Treaty?

After the Partition, the control of waters flowing into Pakistan remained with India. The World Bank offered mediation in 1954. After six years of negotiation, IWT was signed on September 19, 1960. Under the treaty, Pakistan was given waters of western rivers — Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus — and India got control of waters from eastern rivers — Satluj, Beas and Ravi. Within stipulated conditions, India can also use waters of western rivers for irrigation, unrestricted hydropower generation, drinking water supply, and navigation.