India-Pakistan Water Dispute Over Chenab River
Background
Pakistan has raised concerns over India's plan to divert water from the Chenab River to the Beas River, considering it a potential violation of international agreements.
Key Points
- Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allocates water rights of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. - India's Proposed Project:
India intends to construct the Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel to transfer 1.9 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually from Chenab to the Beas. - Pakistan's Concerns:
- Violation of the IWT, particularly affecting the water allocation from western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, Indus) to which Pakistan has rights.
- Contravention of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and international water law, including principles from the 1977 UN Convention on Watercourses.
- Salal Dam Issue:
Pakistan also objects to India's plan for silt flushing of the Salal Dam, claiming it breaches the IWT and the 1978 Salal agreement. - Lack of Communication:
India has not officially notified Pakistan about the projects or sought consultations. - Flood Alert:
Pakistan's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert based on communication from Indian authorities about increased water inflow for the period of May 21-30.
