India’s move to renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty, a 62-year-old water-sharing agreement with Pakistan that has withstood three wars, is the latest signal that water conflict is on a slow boil in South Asia.
India sent a notice on Jan 25 to Pakistan seeking renegotiation of the treaty, which governs watersharing for six rivers the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej.
Water-sharing is a sensitive issue in South Asia, where river systems often criss-cross borders.
The treaty divides the six rivers equally between the two countries, but gives Pakistan control over 80 per cent of the Indus water system. However, Pakistan, which is downstream, has continued to feel vulnerable and has objected to Indian projects on the rivers under its control.
The trigger for the latest round of disagreements is the 330MW Kishanganga project on the Jhelum River and the 850MW Ratle project on the Chenab River.
Over the past decade, Pakistan has objected many times to the construction of the two Indian hydropower projects, contending that they would impact water flow and change the course of the rivers. India has maintained that they are yun-of-the-river” projects” allowed under the treaty.
The World Bank, which is a guarantor under the treaty, has started a parallel process of appointing a neutral expert and also initiated proceedings at the arbitration court.
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 05, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
‘NEVER-ENDING’ SUCCESS FOR TAN
S’porean adds cup to league title, Dortmund keen to retain her services for next season
BOSTON PUT PAST BEHIND TO PROGRESS
Celtics take revenge on Heat with big win to book place in 2nd round of NBA play-offs
TAN THE MAN AT BARRIER TRIALS
Low-profile trainer makes presence felt with Single Warrior, Big Union at morning hit-outs
DBS starts the year strong as Ql profit hits new high of $2.95b
Its fee income gets boost from stronger market sentiment, higher card spending
Fed keeps rates at 23-year high amid stubborn price rises
US central bank cites lack of further progress’ towards its 2% inflation target
South Korea’s inflation slows more than expected in April
But weakening won poses challenge to policymakers’ efforts to cool price growth
Qualcomm gives upbeat sales forecast In sign of smartphone recovery
China remains crucial amid sales surge to its phone-makers in first half of fiscal year
Driver in crash that killed prof was checking GPS on phone
He says he was in a state of panic when he told police officer he had fallen asleep at the wheel
Agencies hold joint counter-terrorism exercise
A joint counter-terrorism exercise by various government agencies was held on April 30 and May 1 to test the Republic's preparedness in the event of a terror attack, the police said on May 2.
Five-year-old is youngest S'porean to reach Everest Base Camp
Pre-schooler makes trek to camp situated at altitude of 5,364m in Nepal with his father