Q. With reference to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), consider the following statements:
1.Under the treaty, Chenab, Jhelum, and Sutlej rivers were allocated to India for unrestricted use.
2.It is the only water pact that compels an upper riparian state (India) to prioritize the interests of a downstream state (Pakistan).
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Explanations –
Statement 1 is incorrect. Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, along with the Indus, are classified as Western Rivers and were allocated primarily to Pakistan for unrestricted use. However, India has limited rights to use these rivers for non-consumptive purposes like hydroelectric power generation and limited irrigation. The Sutlej, along with the Ravi and Beas, are classified as Eastern Rivers and were allocated to India for unrestricted use.
Statement 2 is correct. The Indus Waters Treaty is a unique water-sharing agreements where an upper riparian state (India) has agreed to defer most of the water from three major rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to a downstream state (Pakistan). India’s obligations under IWT ensure that Pakistan receives about 80% of the water from the Indus River system despite India being an upper riparian country.
Source: The Hindu
