Indus Treaty Suspension: Key Water Projects to Advance, Says Omar
Omar announces progress on critical water projects post Indus treaty suspension.
Photo by Shreya Sharma
Omar Abdullah announced that two critical water projects in Jammu and Kashmir are set to move forward following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The projects, crucial for irrigation and power generation, had been stalled due to treaty obligations. The decision to proceed comes amid strained relations between India and Pakistan, with India citing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism as a reason for the suspension.
The move is expected to boost agricultural output and energy security in the region. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of water resources between the two countries.
Key Facts
Two critical water projects in Jammu and Kashmir are set to move forward.
The projects are crucial for irrigation and power generation.
The projects had been stalled due to treaty obligations.
The decision to proceed comes amid strained relations between India and Pakistan.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral agreements and their impact
GS Paper III: Infrastructure - Water resources and irrigation
Potential for questions on the Indus Waters Treaty, its provisions, and challenges
Visual Insights
Indus River Basin and Key Projects
Map showing the Indus River basin, including the rivers allocated to India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, and the location of the water projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and why is it important for India and Pakistan?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries. It's important because it governs how the two countries share water resources, which is crucial for agriculture, power generation, and overall stability in the region.
2. What are the key facts about the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It allocates the waters of the Indus River system between the two countries, designating the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
Exam Tip
Remember the names of the rivers allocated to each country. This is a frequently tested area.
3. Why is the Indus Waters Treaty in the news recently?
The Indus Waters Treaty is in the news because Omar Abdullah announced that two critical water projects in Jammu and Kashmir are set to move forward following India's suspension of the treaty. This decision comes amid strained relations between India and Pakistan.
4. What are the potential implications of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty on India-Pakistan relations?
Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty could further strain relations between India and Pakistan, potentially leading to increased tensions and diplomatic setbacks. However, as per the topic, India cited Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism as a reason for the suspension.
5. How might the advancement of water projects in Jammu and Kashmir impact the region's economy and energy security?
According to the news, the advancement of these projects is expected to boost agricultural output and energy security in the region. These projects are crucial for irrigation and power generation.
6. What is the background context of strained relations between India and Pakistan, and how does it relate to the Indus Waters Treaty?
Recent years have seen increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, impacting their bilateral relations. India has cited Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism as a major reason for strained relations. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 further strained relations. These tensions can impact the implementation and perception of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): 1. The treaty was brokered by the United Nations. 2. The treaty allocates the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej to Pakistan. 3. The Permanent Indus Commission is responsible for implementing the treaty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Indus Waters Treaty was brokered by the World Bank, not the United Nations. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The treaty allocates the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej to India, not Pakistan. The Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab are allocated to Pakistan. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Permanent Indus Commission, comprising commissioners from both countries, is responsible for implementing the treaty and addressing any issues that arise.
2. In the context of India-Pakistan relations and the Indus Waters Treaty, what is the primary function of the Permanent Indus Commission?
- A.To mediate political disputes between India and Pakistan.
- B.To oversee the military operations along the border.
- C.To implement the Indus Waters Treaty and address related issues.
- D.To promote cultural exchange programs between the two countries.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Permanent Indus Commission, comprising commissioners from both India and Pakistan, is responsible for implementing the Indus Waters Treaty and addressing any issues that arise. This includes resolving disputes related to water sharing and project development on the Indus River and its tributaries. The commission aims to ensure compliance with the treaty's provisions and prevent water-related conflicts.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?
- A.The treaty was signed in 1960.
- B.The World Bank played a role in brokering the treaty.
- C.The treaty allocates all the waters of the Indus River system to Pakistan.
- D.The treaty provides a mechanism for resolving disputes between India and Pakistan.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is NOT correct. The Indus Waters Treaty does not allocate all the waters of the Indus River system to Pakistan. It allocates the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab to Pakistan, while the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are allocated to India. The treaty also allows India to use the western rivers for certain purposes, such as irrigation and power generation, under specific conditions.
Source Articles
Two crucial water projects in Jammu and Kashmir to move forward after Indus treaty suspension | India News - The Indian Express
Tulbul Navigation Project: As J&K CM confirms revival efforts, will work finally resume after four decades? | Explained News - The Indian Express
Decode Politics: Why simmering J&K, Punjab row over water has come to a boil | Political Pulse News - The Indian Express
As waters of Jhelum flow dangerously high, Omar Adbullah govt goes into a huddle | India News - The Indian Express
‘Had it been my minister…’: Omar speaks out about BJP MLA ‘interfering’ in hydroelectric project