Indus Water Dispute: After the Pulwama attack, India took five crucial steps to send a strong message to Pakistan, one of which was halting the Indus Water Treaty.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) made this decision during its meeting. India made it clear that it would not honor the water-sharing agreement if Pakistan continued supporting terrorism. This move strikes a major blow to Pakistan.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, divides the use of river waters between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement, India can use the waters of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, while Pakistan controls the Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus rivers.
India has been giving Pakistan access to 80% of the total water, which has been a gesture of peace.
However by halting the agreement, India has now stopped Pakistan’s access to the Jhelum, Chenab and Indus rivers. While this decision might seem straightforward, it is not easy to implement. India would need significant infrastructure, such as dams, to block the flow of water. Even then, it could lead to severe flooding in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Punjab, and could cause harm to Pakistan’s agricultural land, drinking water supply, and power projects.
What Happens If India Stops The Flow?
If India successfully stops the flow of water, it could lead to a serious crisis in Pakistan, both in terms of water scarcity and economic impact. But experts believe that such a change won’t happen overnight, as India would require considerable time to build the necessary infrastructure. This step may take years to implement effectively.
Halting the flow of water is a significant decision that could lead to severe consequences for both countries. It is not an easy task and will require careful planning and execution by India.
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