Pakistan has accused India of a 'grave violation' of the Indus Water Treaty by diverting water from the Chenab River to the Beas River. The allegation was made in a statement issued by the Pakistani Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday.
Background of the Treaty
Under the Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, Pakistan receives water from the western rivers—Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus—while India has complete rights over the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. The treaty is considered a landmark agreement for water sharing between the two nations.
Pakistan's Allegations
Pakistan claims that India's diversion of Chenab water to the Beas is a clear breach of the treaty's provisions. The statement emphasized that such actions could have severe implications for Pakistan's agriculture and water security. Pakistan has called for immediate intervention by international bodies to resolve the dispute.
India's Position
India has not yet officially responded to the allegations. However, Indian officials have previously maintained that all projects on the western rivers are within the treaty's allowed limits for non-consumptive uses like hydropower generation.
The Indus Water Treaty has survived multiple conflicts between the two countries, but recent water stress has heightened tensions. Experts warn that climate change and growing water demands could further strain the agreement.
This development adds to the list of ongoing disputes between India and Pakistan, including territorial issues and cross-border terrorism. The international community is closely watching the situation, as any major water conflict could destabilize the region.
