HYDRO-DIPLOMACY OVER TRANSBOUNDRY WATER COMMONS OF INDUS BASIN

Abstract

Prior to the split of the Indus River in 1947, the existence of farms, industries, and cities located along its banks, which traverse Pakistan and India, relied heavily on the river and its tributaries. In recent years, there has been an observed increase in water consumption among Pakistanis residing in the four Indus provinces and Indians residing in the five Indus states. This trend has resulted in a deterioration of water quality and a decrease in water availability. The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has effectively prevented Pakistan and India from engaging in armed conflict over the water resources of the Indus River for a period exceeding four decades. In May 2005, an impartial arbiter was appointed to resolve a disagreement between the two nations on India's intentions to construct a hydroelectric dam on the Chenab River, which is a tributary of the Indus River. Despite the past adherence of both nations to the requirements of the IWT, the inclusion of a third party, which is a novel development in the treaty's history, suggests the potential for heightened water needs to exert pressure on this hitherto peaceful cooperation. Both parties have the potential to identify flexibility within the IWT postulates in order to address growing demands. Given the historical and economic significance of the Indus River, it is imperative to address these difficulties in order to yield mutual benefits for both nations and mitigate the risk of violence.