J&K plans to utilize river waters amid IWT suspension
J&K considers diverting Ravi river water and reviving Tulbul project.
Photo by kazuend
The Jammu & Kashmir government is considering utilizing the suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by diverting water from the Ravi river in Punjab to the Jammu region. They are also pushing for the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project in the Kashmir region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue with the Centre.
The Tulbul project faced objections from Pakistan in 1987. The government has proposed enabling year-round navigation on the Wular lake by maintaining a minimum depth of water.
Key Facts
Jammu & Kashmir plans to divert water from the Ravi river in Punjab to the Jammu region.
The government is pushing for the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project in the Kashmir region.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue with the Centre.
Pakistan raised objections to the Tulbul project in 1987.
The government proposes enabling year-round navigation on the Wular lake by maintaining a minimum depth of water.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral agreements and their impact
GS Paper I: Geography - River systems and water resource management
Potential for questions on the history, provisions, and disputes related to the Indus Waters Treaty
In Simple Words
The Indus Waters Treaty is like a contract between India and Pakistan about how to share water from rivers. Because of some issues, this contract is not fully active right now. So, the Jammu & Kashmir government wants to use some of the water that would normally go to Pakistan for its own needs, like helping farmers and providing drinking water.
India Angle
In India, water is a big deal for farming and daily life. If Jammu & Kashmir can use more water from the Ravi river, it could help farmers grow more crops and make sure people have enough water to drink. This can improve the lives of people in the region.
For Instance
Think of it like a shared well in a village. If one family isn't using their share of the water, another family might ask to use it temporarily to water their crops.
This matters because it affects how much water is available for farming, drinking, and other important uses in Jammu & Kashmir. It also touches on the relationship between India and Pakistan.
Water sharing: When one agreement pauses, new opportunities arise.
Visual Insights
Indus River System and Proposed Water Diversion
Map showing the Indus River system, including the Ravi river in Punjab and the Jammu region, highlighting the potential diversion of water. Also shows Wular Lake and Tulbul project site.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and why is it relevant to the current news about Jammu & Kashmir?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, governs the distribution and use of the waters of the Indus River system. It's relevant because Jammu & Kashmir is considering utilizing river waters, referencing the IWT, by diverting water from the Ravi river and reviving the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project.
2. What are the key facts about the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
The Tulbul Navigation Barrage project is located in the Kashmir region. Pakistan raised objections to the project in 1987. The project aims to enable year-round navigation on the Wular lake by maintaining a minimum depth of water.
Exam Tip
Remember the year Pakistan raised objections (1987) and the purpose of the project (navigation on Wular lake).
3. Why is the Jammu & Kashmir government considering diverting water from the Ravi river?
The Jammu & Kashmir government is considering diverting water from the Ravi river in Punjab to the Jammu region, potentially due to the perceived suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and the need to utilize available water resources.
4. What are the potential implications of J&K's plans to utilize river waters for relations between India and Pakistan, especially concerning the Indus Waters Treaty?
J&K's plans could raise concerns in Pakistan, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions. Pakistan has previously raised objections to projects like the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. Any perceived violation or alteration of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) could strain relations.
5. What is the historical background of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. It allocates the waters of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India, and the waters of the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan.
6. Who is Omar Abdullah and what is his role in the current discussions surrounding river water utilization in Jammu & Kashmir?
Omar Abdullah is a political figure who has served as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir. He has raised the issue of utilizing river waters with the Centre, indicating his involvement in the decision-making process.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): 1. The IWT was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. 2. The treaty allocates the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers exclusively to Pakistan. 3. The Permanent Indus Commission was established by the treaty to facilitate cooperation and resolve disputes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Indus Waters Treaty was indeed signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The treaty allocates the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India, not exclusively to Pakistan. Pakistan is allocated the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Permanent Indus Commission was established by the treaty to facilitate cooperation and resolve disputes related to the implementation of the treaty. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
2. The Tulbul Navigation Barrage project, sometimes seen in the news, is associated with which of the following rivers?
- A.Ravi
- B.Jhelum
- C.Chenab
- D.Sutlej
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Tulbul Navigation Barrage project, also known as the Wular Barrage, is associated with the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir. The project aims to maintain a consistent water level in Wular Lake for navigation purposes. The project has faced objections from Pakistan, citing concerns about its impact on water flow.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Indus Waters Treaty?
- A.It was signed in 1960.
- B.It resolved disputes over the sharing of waters of the Indus River and its tributaries.
- C.It gives India unrestricted use of all the waters of the Indus River system.
- D.It established the Permanent Indus Commission.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Indus Waters Treaty does NOT give India unrestricted use of all the waters of the Indus River system. The treaty allocates the waters of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India, and the waters of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan, with specific provisions and regulations governing their use. Options A, B, and D are correct statements about the treaty.
Source Articles
With Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, Jammu and Kashmir plans to harness river waters - The Hindu
The impact of suspending a water treaty - The Hindu
Kashmir’s Waters in the Crosshairs: India’s Canal Plan Risks Treaty Fallout and Geopolitical Tensions - Frontline
Renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty looks inevitable; an opportunity to address environmental issues: Daniel Haines - The Hindu
The messaging from putting the IWT in 'abeyance'