Which of the following statements about the Indus Waters Treaty is/are correct?

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1:

The term ‘Eastern Rivers’ means the Sutlej, the Beas, and the Ravi taken together. ✅ Correct

• Under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), the Eastern Rivers refer specifically to the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, which were allocated primarily for India’s use.

Statement 2:

The term ‘Western Rivers’ means the Indus, the Jhelum, and the Chenab taken together. ✅ Correct

• The Western Rivers include the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, which were allocated mainly for Pakistan’s use, though India is allowed certain limited uses like hydroelectric power generation and irrigation projects under treaty provisions.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

About Indus Water Treaty 1960

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation, governs the sharing of six rivers of the Indus system. It allocates the three Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) mainly to India (≈20% of total water) and the three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) mainly to Pakistan (≈80% of total water), while allowing limited, non-consumptive use by India on the Western Rivers.

Key Features & Provisions

1. Signatories & Date:
   Signed on 19 September 1960 by Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Ayub Khan (Pakistan), and W.A.B. Iliffe (World Bank).

2. Division of Rivers:

   • Eastern Rivers (India): Ravi, Beas, Sutlej

   • Western Rivers (Pakistan): Indus, Jhelum, Chenab

3. India’s Rights on Western Rivers:
   India can use Western Rivers for non-consumptive purposes, including:

   • Run-of-the-river hydropower projects

   • Agriculture and domestic use
     These uses must not store or divert excessive water.

4. Permanent Indus Commission (PIC):
   A bilateral body tasked with implementing the treaty, holding annual meetings to exchange river data and resolve technical matters.

5. Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
   The treaty provides a three-step process:

   1. Discussions within the PIC

   2. Appointment of a Neutral Expert for technical “differences”

   3. Court of Arbitration for major “disputes”

Recent Developments & Issues

• Modification Notices: In 2023 and 2024, India issued notices seeking modifications, citing frustration with dispute resolution over projects like Kishenganga and Ratle.

• Parallel Processes: Pakistan requested a Court of Arbitration, while India preferred a Neutral Expert, leading to simultaneous proceedings.

• No Unilateral Exit: The treaty has no specific end date, and Article XII(4) prohibits either country from unilaterally terminating it.