Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Water Treaty Through Irregular Water Releases from Chenab River
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister has accused India of "weaponising water" by allegedly releasing water from dams into the Chenab River without prior warning. Pakistan claims these irregular releases violate the World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty (1960) and threaten its agricultural cycle and food security. The treaty gives India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, Beas) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). While India has previously stated it alerts Pakistan about potential flooding, the latest allegations add to the long-standing water-sharing tensions between the two neighboring nations.
Key Points
- Pakistan alleges that India's irregular water release from the Chenab River violates the Indus Water Treaty.
- The Indus Water Treaty (1960) was brokered by the World Bank to manage transboundary river waters.
- Under the treaty, India controls the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- The dispute highlights the geopolitical sensitivity of water sharing in the Kashmir region.
Exam Facts
- The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960.
- The World Bank acted as the broker for the treaty.
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