LAHORE: India is reportedly moving ahead with plans related to the Chenab River, raising concerns in Pakistan over potential implications for the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and downstream water flows.
The development comes after India’s effective control over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which allocated the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan for unrestricted use, subject to limited exceptions.
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank with financial support from several international partners including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, is widely regarded as one of the most significant water-sharing agreements in history.
According to available information, India has recently approved a plan involving the construction of a tunnel intended to divert Chenab River waters toward the Beas River system. The proposed project has raised concerns among observers who argue it could have implications for downstream flows into Pakistan.
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, the Chenab is classified as a western river, and India is obligated to allow its waters to flow freely, subject only to limited non-consumptive uses such as run-of-river hydropower projects. Experts point out that any permanent diversion of water outside the Chenab basin would be inconsistent with treaty provisions.
Legal provisions under Article III of the treaty specify that India must not interfere with the waters of western rivers beyond defined limits, while Annexure D permits only hydropower projects that do not involve long-term storage or diversion of river flows.
Water experts note that any significant alteration in Chenab’s natural flow could affect Pakistan’s irrigation system, particularly in Punjab and southern agricultural zones that depend heavily on western river waters.
The reported move has heightened concerns in Pakistan, where officials and analysts view water security as a critical national issue. They warn that continued upstream interventions on western rivers could strain bilateral relations and further complicate already sensitive water-sharing arrangements between the two countries.
While the situation continues to develop, stakeholders emphasize the importance of adherence to international water treaties to prevent escalation and ensure equitable use of shared river systems.
Story by Munawar Hasan
