The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the assistance of the World Bank. This pivotal agreement delineates the management of the rivers within the Indus River system:
Recently, India has initiated plans for two significant hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir:
Pakistan has raised concerns, claiming that the designs of these projects infringe upon the treaty. The key issues include:
A Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank, is tasked with resolving technical disputes arising under the IWT. Recently, the Neutral Expert affirmed his competence to adjudicate the concerns raised by both India and Pakistan regarding these hydropower projects.
The acceptance of India's arguments by the Neutral Expert bolsters India's position, suggesting that:
The Neutral Expert will assess the designs of the projects to ensure they align with the regulations stipulated by the IWT. India remains committed to upholding the treaty while also expressing the need for its review, indicating frustration over Pakistan's alleged misuse of treaty provisions to hinder project development.
“Justice delayed is justice denied; persistence and preparedness ensure rightful outcomes.”
Q1. What are the main rivers covered by the Indus Waters Treaty?
Answer: The Indus Waters Treaty allocates the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan, defining their management and usage.
Q2. What is the role of the Neutral Expert in the Indus Waters Treaty?
Answer: The Neutral Expert resolves technical disputes under the Indus Waters Treaty and recently affirmed his competence to address concerns regarding India's hydropower projects.
Q3. Why is the Neutral Expert’s decision significant for India?
Answer: The decision supports India's position, indicating that its hydropower projects comply with the treaty, while dismissing Pakistan's objections as unfounded.
Q4. What are the concerns raised by Pakistan regarding India's projects?
Answer: Pakistan's concerns include potential violations of treaty terms related to water storage, spillway design, and turbine specifications in the Kishenganga and Ratle projects.
Q5. How does the Indus Waters Treaty impact India-Pakistan relations?
Answer: The treaty is crucial for managing water resources between India and Pakistan, but disputes over project compliance can escalate tensions, affecting bilateral relations.
Question 1: What year was the Indus Waters Treaty signed?
A) 1947
B) 1950
C) 1960
D) 1972
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which rivers are classified as Eastern Rivers under the IWT?
A) Indus, Chenab
B) Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
C) Jhelum, Chenab
D) Ravi, Jhelum
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the primary role of the Neutral Expert in the context of the IWT?
A) To negotiate peace treaties
B) To resolve technical disputes
C) To manage river water resources
D) To oversee hydropower development
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What are the main hydropower projects initiated by India in Jammu and Kashmir?
A) Bhakra and Nangal
B) Kishenganga and Ratle
C) Sardar Sarovar and Tehri
D) Hiranandani and Koyna
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which organization is responsible for appointing the Neutral Expert?
A) United Nations
B) World Bank
C) Asian Development Bank
D) International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What does Pakistan claim regarding India's hydropower projects?
A) They are beneficial for both countries
B) They violate the Indus Waters Treaty
C) They have no impact on water flow
D) They are fully compliant with the treaty
Correct Answer: B
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