Indus water talks

Why in news?

The latest round of talks between India and Pakistan on the Indus Waters Treaty has ended without any agreement.

What is the significance of Indus water treaty?

• The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, It was brokered by the World Bank.
• The treaty administers how river Indus and its tributaries that flow in both the countries will be utilised.
• According to the treaty, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej are to be governed by India, while, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum are to be taken care by Pakistan.
• However, since Indus flows from India, the country is allowed to use 20 per cent of its water for irrigation, power generation and transport purposes.
• A Permanent Indus Commission was set up as a bilateral commission to implement and manage the Treaty.
• The Commission solves disputes arising over water sharing.
• The Treaty also provides arbitration mechanism to solve disputes amicably.

What are the possible threats to water sharing?

• Though Indus originates from Tibet, China has been kept out of the Treaty.
• If China decides to stop or change the flow of the river, it will affect both India and Pakistan.
• Climate change is causing melting of ice in Tibetan plateau, which scientists believe will affect the river in future.

What is the recent talk about?

• The second round of discussions was held in World Bank headquarters.
• The talks were on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydroelectric projects. 
• In August 2017, the World Bank allowed India to construct the dam. 
• Pakistan alleged that the construction of the dam was not in line with the Indus Water Treaty. 
• The agreement has not been reached at the conclusion of the meetings. 
• The World Bank will continue to work with both countries to resolve the issues in an amicable manner and in line with the Treaty provisions.
• Both countries and the World Bank appreciated the discussions and reconfirmed their commitment to the preservation of the Treaty.

What is the role of World Bank in the treaty?

• The World Bank remains committed to act in good faith and with “complete impartiality and transparency” in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Treaty.
• The World Bank’s role in relation to the “differences” and “disputes” is limited to the designation of people to fulfil certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties.

Source: The Hindu