India has suspended a major treaty governing water sharing of six rivers in the Indus basin between the two countries, following a horrific attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allocated three eastern rivers to India and 80% of the western ones to Pakistan.
However, India is now accusing Pakistan of backing cross-border terrorism, prompting the suspension of key water-sharing provisions. This move has left many wondering if India can stop the Indus River and its tributaries from flowing into Pakistan.
Experts say it’s nearly impossible for India to hold back tens of billions of cubic meters of water during high-flow periods due to lack of massive storage infrastructure and extensive canals. Indian hydropower plants use run-of-the-river technology, which doesn’t require large volumes of water to be stored.
India’s former IWT commissioner believes the country can now modify existing infrastructure or build new ones to hold back more water without informing Pakistan. However, construction in the Indus basin has been limited due to difficult terrain and protests within India.
The suspension may have significant implications for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus basin’s water for agriculture and hydropower. Experts warn that if India begins controlling the flow with its existing infrastructure, Pakistan could feel the impact during the dry season when water availability is already low.
The treaty requires India to share hydrological data with Pakistan, but India has announced it will no longer do so. This move has raised concerns about whether India can “weaponise” water against Pakistan, potentially causing damage downstream.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7vjyezypqo