Rebuild Indo-Pak ties with Indus Water Treaty

Run-of-the-river dams have worked to the disadvantage of both countries. For India, hydel power projects based on the run-of-the-river dams are not cost-effective. Moreover, there is the problem of silting of the dams. The thaw in Indo-Pak ties must be carried forward by changing the clause pertaining to the type of dams that can be built. Such an amendment to the treaty will benefit Pakistan too.

Lt gen Harwant Singh (Retd)

Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff

The Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi on March 23-24. The main issue for discussion was the designs of the upcoming hydel projects on the tributaries of the Chenab river.

The Indus Water Treaty was signed by Pakistan and India at Karachi in 1960, with the World Bank being the third-party guarantor. India, being the upper riparian country to all six rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej), had the first right over the waters of these rivers. Yet, India gave to Pakistan, through this treaty, more than its due share of the waters (more than 80 per cent) of the six rivers. In addition, Pakistan got the waters of four Indian nullahs that join the Ravi. Through this largesse, India hoped to secure lasting peace with Pakistan.[Readmore]