1960’s Indus Waters Treaty: A Model of Transboundary Water Cooperation

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, is one of the most significant and enduring water-sharing agreements in history. It governs the allocation of the Indus River system between India & Pakistan, two neighboring countries that have experienced political tensions but have largely upheld the treaty despite conflicts.

The Indus Waters Treaty (سندھ طاس معاہدہ in Urdu, سنڌ طاس معاهدو in Sindhi) is also known as the Indus Basin Treaty. It is a 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.

Historical Background

The partition of British India in 1947 resulted in the division of the Indus system between India and Pakistan, leading to disputes over water resources. To resolve these issues, negotiations began under the guidance of the World Bank, culminating in the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty on September 19, 1960, by Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s then President Ayub Khan.

Key Provisions of the Indus Treaty

The treaty divides the River system into two sections:

  • Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej): Allocated to India, granting it full rights to their waters.
  • Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan, with India retaining limited rights for domestic, non-consumptive, and hydroelectric use.

To ensure the implementation of the Indus waters treaty, a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) was established, consisting of representatives from both nations to oversee compliance and address disputes.

Implementation and Challenges

Since its signing, the Indus Waters Treaty has remained in force, even during wars and military conflicts between India and Pakistan. However, several challenges have emerged over the years:

International Challenges

  • Indian Hydroelectric Projects: Pakistan has raised concerns over India’s construction of hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, arguing that they violate treaty provisions.
  • Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Reduced water flow due to climate change, population growth, and increasing demand poses a challenge to both countries.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Political disputes, including the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India in 2019, have led to renewed debates over water rights.

Internal Challenges within Pakistan

  • Punjab’s Construction of Additional Canals: Punjab has been accused of constructing more canals to divert extra water, reducing the water flow to Sindh. This has led to severe protests in Sindh, where farmers and communities are facing water shortages, impacting agriculture and daily life.
  • Sindh’s Water Rights and Protests: Sindh has historically protested against what it calls Punjab’s water theft, arguing that the province does not receive its fair share of water as per the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.
  • Lack of Proper Water Distribution Mechanisms: The absence of a transparent and effective water distribution system has further fueled tensions between Punjab and Sindh, with calls for stronger enforcement of water-sharing agreements within Pakistan.
Protests in Sindh for River Indus Theft

Dispute Resolution Mechanism

The treaty provides a three-tiered dispute resolution mechanism:

  1. Bilateral Discussions through the Permanent Indus Commission.
  2. Mediation by a Neutral Expert if technical disputes arise.
  3. Arbitration by the International Court of Arbitration in case of major disagreements.
Significance of the Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty is considered a successful example of water diplomacy, demonstrating how nations can manage shared water resources peacefully. Despite persistent challenges, it remains a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations and an essential framework for regional water cooperation. However, Pakistan’s internal water distribution issues, particularly disputes between Punjab and Sindh, continue to threaten water equity within the country.

Conclusion

While tensions between India and Pakistan continue, the Indus Waters Treaty serves as a model for transboundary water management. However, internal disputes within Pakistan, particularly Punjab’s alleged overuse of water at Sindh’s expense, require urgent resolution. Ensuring equitable water distribution, improving governance, and strengthening dialogue will be crucial for maintaining both national and regional water security in the face of climate change and increasing demand.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty (سندھ طاس معاہدہ / سنڌ طاس معاهدو), water from the Indus River is meant to reach the Arabian Sea to maintain the ecological balance of the Indus Delta. However, due to excessive upstream water usage and diversions, the water flow is often insufficient to reach beyond Jamshoro or Kotri Barrage. As a result, the Indus Delta is shrinking, and seawater intrusion from the Arabian Sea is increasing, threatening coastal communities, agriculture, and biodiversity in Sindh.

For decades, Sindh has been protesting against water theft, whether in the name of the Kalabagh Dam or the construction of additional canals by Punjab. These actions have led to severe water shortages in Sindh, impacting its agriculture, drinking water supply, and the overall livelihood of its people.

The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is responsible for ensuring fair water distribution among provinces, including Sindh. However, due to internal political corruption, some Sindhi politicians have allegedly supported Punjab’s excessive water withdrawals instead of protecting Sindh’s rights. These politicians, often seen as Punjab’s allies, have failed to safeguard Sindh’s share, exacerbating the province’s water crisis.

Despite President Asif Ali Zardari being Sindhi, the water theft continues, leaving Sindh in a perpetual struggle for its rightful share, as Punjab benefits from illegal diversions.