Indus Water Treaty Research Articles

Sharing Water Across Borders: Assessing the Hydro-Diplomacy Process in the Resolution of Indus River Disputes

Hydro-diplomacy addresses the political aspects of transnational water systems that aims to prevent, lessen, and settle disputes over shared water systems through water governance frameworks. The Indo-Pakistan dispute over the Indus River proves the importance of diplomacy in addressing water related issues. Using a qualitative and descriptive-explorative method, this research aims to explore mechanisms of the Indus River dispute resolutions within the framework of the hydro-diplomacy concept. The paper uses secondary data consisting of journal articles, books, and official documents . This research finds that the Indus River dispute resolution mechanism encompasses the key aspects of hydro-diplomacy, which are: 1) the political means through bilateral meetings and the Indus Water Treaty formulation; 2) preventive means through dispute resolution mechanism in the treaty; 3) integrative means towards the involvement of numerous stakeholders; 4) cooperative aspect through IWT agreements; and 5)technical means through data-sharing practices.

Estimation of loss in arable land and irrigation requirements using high‐resolution imagery and Google Earth Engine

AbstractWater resources planning and management are critical in intricate basins such as the Indus Basin, shared by India and Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) for food security, conserving the environment, sustainable economic development and supporting livelihoods. The present study assesses arable land loss within the Padshahi and Sindh Extension (SE) canal catchments over 54 years, utilizing high‐resolution satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine's normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derivations for strategizing irrigation efficiency, minimizing water loss and ensuring sustainable utilization of limited water resources under the IWT. Results revealed that irrigated land has decreased from 5127 ha (1966) to 3501 ha (2020) in both canals. The Padshahi canal sees substantial loss (1278 ha), primarily due to the highest transitions from agricultural land/crop land (−69%) to built‐up areas. The SE canal, experiencing shifts to horticulture and plantation, records relatively fewer changes in built‐up areas (348 ha). The monthly variation in the NDVI clearly depicted the high demand for irrigation to cater to agricultural lands with the onset of the sowing season for paddy in the Padshahi (1900 ha) and SE (2600 ha) canals in May.

Impacts of Climate Change on the Indus Basin Water Resources

Considering the socioeconomic significance of the Indus Basin, the effect of climate change on its water resources is a crucial concern. This study explores the effects of changing climate on the basin, looking at hydrological fluctuations and possible dangers to water supply. With its intricate hydrographic system, the Indus Basin faces difficulties like changing precipitation patterns, retreating glaciers, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. The delicate balance of water supplies, which is essential for agriculture and a significant driver of the region's economy, is at risk due to these changes. The study highlights the need for adaptive measures by examining the complex effects on infrastructure, food security, and livelihoods. This paper seeks to provide important insights into the complex relationship between climate change and water resources in the Indus Basin, as well as the gaps in the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) under Homer Dixon's Scarcity Model.

Heading in the right direction in 2023? Post‐flood lessons toward building a water‐resilient Pakistan

AbstractThe 2022 monsoon season presented the worst‐case scenario for Pakistan in terms of what could have been visualized about water when in abundance and mismanaged. Consequently, the very foundation of the society and its people were affected. Post‐floods, as the country silently drifts toward becoming water scarce by 2025, there are valuable lessons that need to be contemplated upon for Pakistan to become water resilient. This discussion paper deliberates on this subject by introducing a policy brief on the background of the country's National Water Policy (NWP) and the 2022 floods that afflicted the lives of millions, submerging one‐third of the country. It goes on to explain insights into post‐flood lessons for the nation; these include equating water abundance and its insufficiency as a national security concern, active recognition and concentration for water management, appreciating the role of individuals, and not only working on policy formulation but its implementation as well. Conclusively, it presents institutional‐constitutional reforms as suggestions in the right direction for building a water‐resilient Pakistan. These include prioritizing water, creating water spaces and leadership, debating the idea of climate–water injustice and building community resilience, addressing subnational water conflicts, channelizing water concerns through media, considering the umbrella framework of water needs, wants, and excess, establishing water laws, practicing the policy of no corruption, and reviewing the 1991 Water Accord while maintaining the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

Melting Glaciers and the Indus Water Treaty: A Looming Crisis

The Indus Waters Treaty was created in 1960 to allocate water between India and Pakistan. Climate change was not considered then, but hydrology and conflict resolution have progressed. Climate change has altered water availability, including volume, timing, frequency, and quality. Population growth, urbanization, and climatic events have impacted Pakistan’s water supply. This tension could escalate into conflict without addressing the treaty’s knowledge and practice gaps. Advancements in transboundary watercourse management, environmental monitoring, and data acquisition are necessary. Water remains a source of tension, and prompt action is needed to ensure sustainable water resource management. One possible solution to this issue is to integrate modern knowledge on climate change into the IWT and harmonize it with the current set of international water laws and regulations. Hence, it is imperative to formulate a framework enabling both countries to reach a consensus and introduce climate change-related clauses and provisions into the IWT.

Water Scarcity in Pakistan: Resource Constraint or Mismanagement

The current study has addressed major issues associated with water resources, gap analysis for the allocation, distribution mechanism, and recommendation for efficient utilization. This study specifically addresses the role of political factors in giving rise to water crisis in Pakistan, the factors hampering effective implementation of Indus Water Treaty, and the role of local politics in water crisis in Pakistan. Moreover, it is also focused on the discrimination of provinces in terms of water apportionment. The study also analyzes, whether effective implementation of the ‘National Water Policy 2018’ would lead to efficient water resource management. The conclusion and recommendations comprise a mixture of qualitative and quantitative analysis of events, situations, and numerical data from reliable sources. Resultantly, it was inferred that water availability is emerging as the definite challenge for individuals and communities across the globe. An urgent concerted effort is required to cope up with the exponential demand and its efficient utilization. However, the water production and supply management has not been developed in line with the critical increase in population growth, intensive water use for agrarian economy, and fast-growing industrialization. Developmental activities can only be sustained if natural resources are also preserved for the next generations and their depletion effect is addressed for longer terms. It is crucial to reformulate the current national water policy by consensus and implement it with its inbuilt regular updating process. Water securities must be prioritized by legislators, politicians, and policymakers. Politics over water security worsens the problems and more water injection in national grid is becoming highly linked with the national level politics.

Indus Water Treaty and Water Scarcity in India: Implications for Pakistan

Pakistan has been facing a water crisis since the day it emerged on the map. The issue of the water crisis is deeply rooted in Pakistan's creation. The partition of the subcontinent not only divided the landmass between India and Pakistan but also the Indus River Basin. The rivers of the region were not entirely divided between the two states; they were rather shared. The water dispute was among the initial problems that created conflict between these two newly established countries. The Indus River Basin deeply affected the economy, society, culture, and political scenario of the subcontinent. Consequently, the water dispute is one of the major and initial conflicts that intertwine with the territorial disputes. The World Bank presented its proposal for the division of rivers. With the mediation of the World Bank, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed between Pakistan and India in 1960. Three Western rivers, the Indus, the Chenab, and the Jhelum, were to be given to Pakistan, and three Eastern rivers, the Sutlej, the Ravi, and the Beas, were to be given to India. The Indus Water Treaty is a permanent, binding contract between India and Pakistan. The qualitative research approach is taken while opting for the historical and correlational approach to how India faces water scarcity and Pakistan faces its after-effects. Both states are agricultural and need water for the cultivation of crops. Being an upper riparian, India controls water, so when India faces a water shortage, it ultimately affects the lower riparian, which is Pakistan.

Transboundary River Water Availability to Ravi Riverfront under Changing Climate: A Step towards Sustainable Development

The Indus Water Treaty allocated the water of the Ravi River to India, and India constructed the Thein Dam on the Ravi River. This study investigates the water availability of the Ravi Riverfront for both pre-dam and post-dam scenarios augmented with pre-flood, flood, and post-flood sub-scenarios. The study also investigates river water availability for low and high magnitudes (Flow Duration Curves) and its linkages with climate change. The modified Mann–Kendall, Sen’s slope estimator, and Pearson correlation were used to investigate the river flows. It was found that there is a remarkable decrease in the river water by −36% of annual mean flows as compared to the pre-dam scenario. However, during the flood season, it was −32% at the riverfront upstream (Ravi Syphon Gauge). The reduction in water volume was found as 2.13 Million Acre Feet (MAF) and 1.03 MAF for maximum and mean, respectively, in the Rabi (Winter) season, and 4.07 MAF and 2.76 MAF for max and mean, respectively, in the Kharif (Summer) season. It was also revealed that 180–750 cusecs of water would be available or exceeded for 90% to 99% of the time at Ravi Riverfront during the flood season. The high flows were mainly controlled by temperature in the pre-dam scenario; presently, this water is stored in the Thein Dam reservoir. In contrast, the precipitation role is significant in the post-dam scenario, which means that the flows in the Ravi River are mainly due to base flow contributions and precipitation. This study is the first step in analyzing the river water availability of the Ravi Riverfront, which will ultimately address the associated problems and their solutions to decision-makers. Additionally, implementing an eco-friendly riverfront promotes urban sustainability in developed urban areas, such as Lahore City, and will lead to a comfortable and healthy lifestyle; this will only be possible with water availability in the Ravi Riverfront reach.

A Triumph for the Indus Water Treaty: Transboundary Dispute Resolution in 1960

During the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, at the time of independence from Britain, the borders were drawn with little consideration to water resources. After nine years of negotiations, the Indus Water Treaty was finally signed on September 19, 1960, with the cooperation of the World Bank. This article presents important conflicts between India and Pakistan on sharing Indus water including, Wullar barrage, Baglihar dam and Kishenganga projects and their successful resolution. The treaty has withstood the test of time and has been successful in maintaining peace on sharing of Indus water between not so friendly nations India and Pakistan. The disagreement has been successfully contained by the Treaty’s built-in mechanisms for conflict settlement at several levels, including the Permanent Indus Commissioner, Joint Secretaries, neutral expert, International Court of Arbitration, and UN.

Hydro-diplomacy and the prospects of environmental peacebuilding between Pakistan and India

Pakistan and India have a history of animosity on many issues including transboundary water sharing but in 1960 both states agreed on sharing the rivers of the Indus basin by signing the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). IWT ensures sustained cooperation on the issue of transboundary water sharing and sets the parameters for the hydro-diplomacy between Pakistan and India. In recent times, mutual vulnerabilities around the environmental issues and the water scarcity, have again brought in a possibility of extending cooperation on water sharing by revisiting the IWT. Consequently, the hydro-diplomacy has the potential of spill over effect for the settlement of outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India thus paving the way for the regional peace and integration of South Asia. The paper reviews the literature on hydro-diplomacy and incorporates the document analysis to analyse the efficacy of the principles of cooperation laid down in IWT and evaluates the forces that have been behind the treaty and the possibilities for the future of environmental peacebuilding between Pakistan and India. The paper also evaluates the hydro-diplomacy as characterized by the power dynamics, hegemony, and the nature of political and economic relations between Pakistan and India.

Pakistan’s Lower Riparian Anxieties on the Indus and Indian Assurances

This paper analyses Pakistan’s lower riparian anxieties on the Indus and Indian assurances by elaborating the differing perspectives of the two states on different projects pursued by India on the western rivers; the rivers allotted to Pakistan by the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. It argues that the water supply has reduced drastically in the last fifty years, which has resulted in a water crisis in India and Pakistan. India has started constructing different hydroelectric projects on western rivers in Jammu and Kashmir, which the treaty allows under certain conditionality. Pakistan objects to these projects as against the treaty. Pakistan considers the Indian projects a threat to its national integrity and the agriculture-based economy, as they could be used as a weapon to the detriment of downstream Pakistan. India assures Pakistan of no such intentions and defends the projects as in conformity with the Indus Water Treaty. This trust deficit between the two arch-rivals has made water disputes between them intractable.

Water conflict between Pakistan and India: Implications to regional peace and security

Pakistan and India are water stressed countries and the seed of water conflict between the two has been sowed by the Punjab boundary commission at the time of Partition. Trans-boundary water treaties have played a significant role in resolving the water disputes though the mechanism of conflict resolution varies and structurally fails to address the future problems that may arise. Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has been examined as an efficacious Model of conflict resolution and induced cooperation from 1960s to 1980s. Pakistan claimed that India is violating IWT by building dams and diverting waters of Western Rivers flowing from India to Pakistan. Therefore, the research attempts to answer the following questions. What is the cumulative effect of Indian dams being constructed on the Western Rivers? Can India Unilaterally withdraw the treaty? What would be the implications if India violates the treaty? Holistic content analysis of qualitative method and conflict theory has been used to investigate the water conflict between Pakistan and India. The key findings are that violation of treaty by India is perceived as security threat by Pakistan and also increase its economic concerns. The tension between the two neighbours over water sharing can lead to water war which poses serious threats to regional peace and security.

Indus Water Treaty in the Backdrop of Climate Change and its Consequences

Climate change is the main driving force that shall affect global distribution of water in future. It has already effected water variation in some regions in the world including the Himalayan countries which face rapid decline in water reserves. This climate change-driven water variation is likely to affect transboundary water sharing treaties and agreements, and may force the water sharing nations either to conflict or cooperation policies.

Indus Water Treaty: Challenges and Prospects

The growing water scarcity in India and Pakistan and emerging climatic and environmental changes to the Indus basin rivers system are causing a great stress on smoothing working of Indus water treaty 1960. Pakistan Being a lower riparian, facing the issue as to how to reinterpret the Indus Waters Treaty without giving up its water rights. The paper discusses that following the inbuilt constraints of a lower riparian, Pakistan need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy following water rationale to secure its water rights within the scope of the treaty. For this; effective implementation and enhancement of Article VI, VII, constructive diplomatic and political strategy,efficient water uses and sustainable water resource management in Indus-Pakistan.

WATER DISPUTES IN SOUTH ASIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BANGLADESH AND PAKISTAN

The problem of improper water management and water resources is very common in developing countries and especially in South Asia. Three out of seven countries including Bangladesh, Nipal and Pakistan are involved in Water sharing conflicts with each other. This research paper highlights the water disputes and various water sharing treaties in South Asia especially in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with a comparative evaluation of past and future trends, followed by suggestions for a sustainable future cooperation. The paper will also have focused on the historical water conflicts of Indian state with the other South Asian countries especially with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The first part of the paper deals with water issues erupted between India and Pakistan such as Bagliar Dame water issue, Kishanganga water conflict, and Wullar Barrage etc and treaty signed to resolve the water disputes between these two states such as Indus Water Treaty. The second part of the paper highlight the water disputes between India and Bangladesh and also focuses on the Accord signed between the two states including the Teesta water Treaty, and Farraka agreement etc. At the end, the paper will provide the comparison of both Pakistan and Bangladesh’s water disputes with India. Key Words: Water disputes/Issues/Conflict, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Water Resources, Kishanganga, Wullar Barrage, Teesta, Farraka Accord/Treety, Indus water treaty.

INDO-PAK HYDROPOLITICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR DISPUTED JAMMU AND KASHMIR

India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir, a contested region that is claimed by both the countries. Competition over waterways and dependence over water assets of Kashmir remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. This Research paper discusses the dependence of India and Pakistan over water sources originating from Kashmir. Kashmir, besides emotional attachment also has strategic, economic and political benefits for India and Pakistan. In the twenty first century, traditional concepts of state security have been changed. We have moved from traditional security aspects to non-traditional security aspects. Water is included in one of the non-traditional security aspects. India having all cards in hands is showing its’ hegemonic by choking the loose points of Pakistan. Though Indus Water treaty was signed in 1960’s to resolve the water issues between the two countries, but still we have not found any direct solution that will resolve the water crisis and provide permanent peace in the region. There is no way forward which will provide a win win situation for India, Pakistan and Kashmir in Indus water treaty. The researcher accounted that Indus Water Treaty has proved successful as far as its’ theoretical approach is concerned, but has failed in implementation and practicality. The researcher has used Hourglass model to analyze the Indus Water Treaty and to suggest the way forward that will lead towards a conflict resolution. Mixed methods have been used in the research from secondary sources to analyze water dependence. The research also seeks to analyze Indus water treaty and to explore the prospects for equal division of water resources. The subject matter of the research is Indo-Pak water dependency over water of Kashmir with a focus on how it will contribute towards the socio-economic status of India and Pakistan in the region and also how much dependence on water would affect the regional peace and stability in Kashmir conflict. Keywords: Conflict resolution, Hourglass glass model, Kashmir conflict, India-Pakistan water dependency, Indus water Treaty, Composite Dialogue process.

Hydro-Hegemony Framework: A study of the India Pakistan trans-boundary water competition and cooperation

After the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947, both the newly established states submerged in many tensions leading to competition in many areas. One such area is the hydro competition between the two closely bordering states. Within this context, India and Pakistan kicked by perianal security dilemma at all levels. India is diverting water from western rivers, which is not permissible for India in Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The Purpose of this study is to find out the reason/s that why India is behaving in this way? This is an applied research within the context of Hydro-Hegemony Framework (HHF) theory. According to the theory, India is behaving hydro-hegemonically because of the three reasons stated by Hydro-Hegemony Framework; firstly, because of Indian advantageous upper-riparian geographical position; secondly, because of Indian superior technical potential and ability to construct a lot of dams; thirdly power asymmetry exists between India and Pakistan. India because of these three main reasons is desirous to get “Consolidated Water Control” over three western rivers assigned to Pakistan by Indus Water Treaty. Indian endeavours to get water dominance would complicate its relations with Pakistan. Indian hydro-hegemony would impact Pakistan’s economy, hydro-power generations projects, agriculture sectors and domestic hydro-usage

Indus Water Treaty: Past Present and Future

Natural resources are fundamental and imperative for the existence and evolution of human civilizations. Water being most important scarce natural resource has become a contentious political issue in the world. South Asia being a less connected and conflict ridden region, Water related conflicts have been a dominant area of concern. At the time of independence, the boundary line between the two newly created independent countries, i.e. Pakistan and India was drawn right across the Indus Basin, leaving Pakistan as the lower riparian. Dispute thus arose between the two countries regarding the utilization of irrigation waters from existing facilities. The negotiations held under the World Bank, culminated in the signing of Indus Waters Treaty in 1960. The paper will examine the historical background of the treaty; the contentious developments which have arose over the years and will also discuss the Kashmir perspective on the treaty. The paper will also evaluate the present disagreeing arguments of both states over the treaty.

Water Politics between Pakistan and India: An Analysis

Pakistan is blessed with rich natural resources in which water resources are the major ones. Yet the level of this important resource has been reached at an alarming level due to myriad factors such as misuse, mismanagement, and politics in water sectors at both levels national and international. The study is presenting an overview of the state of the Indus Water Treaty, Indus River Basin, and conflict between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The focus of the study is to reveal the hegemony of India on international waters and its relations with the outer world. Moreover, the research study has presented root causes of the water crisis, hydro politics in the South Asia region, the hegemony of India on international waters. Water management policies and co-operation mechanism is required between Pakistan and India to cope with the challenge of water shortage.

Contribution of General Principles of International Law in Progressive Development of Transboundary Aquifers With Special Reference to India

Man’s ruthless exploitation of the natural resources means that we are housed in a resource-deprived world, the tug of war for the meager resources has led to many conflicts between states that we witness today. At the heart of the whole debate on resource crunch is the issue of shared natural resources between the states, international law has formulated several legal instruments to govern the shared transboundary resources, which include laws on transboundary aquifers. The objective of this study is to unlock the general principles of international law which regulate the transboundary aquifers. In this regard, the authors have apportioned the paper into three sections. In the first section, the authors set the tone by detailing the provisions of the Draft Article on the Transboundary Aquifers, 2008 dealing with general principles, the second segment of the paper lays down the cardinal principles regulating transboundary aquifers, which range from sustainable development to the principle of good faith and in the final portion the authors dwells into the Israel-Palestine dispute and the India-Pakistan Indus water treaty in the context of transboundary aquifers.