Which of the following statements about the Indus Waters Treaty is/are correct?

1. The term 'Eastern Rivers' means the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi taken together.

2. The term 'Western Rivers' means the Indus, the Jhelum and the Chenab taken together.

Select the answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

• The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, allocates the usage of rivers in the Indus Basin.
• The term 'Eastern Rivers' as per the Treaty refers to the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers collectively, which are allocated for unrestricted use by India.
• The term 'Western Rivers' as per the Treaty refers to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers collectively, which are primarily allocated to Pakistan, with limited usage rights for India.
• The treaty was brokered by the World Bank and remains a landmark agreement in water-sharing disputes.
• Both statements in the question are correct as they align with the definitions provided in the treaty.

Additional Information

• Indus Waters Treaty Overview:
  • Signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank.
  • It divides the rivers into 'Eastern Rivers' (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) for India and 'Western Rivers' (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) for Pakistan.
  • The treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally.
• Eastern Rivers Usage:
  • India has exclusive rights over the waters of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.
  • These rivers are primarily used for irrigation, hydropower generation, and other consumptive purposes.
• Western Rivers Usage:
  • Pakistan has unrestricted rights to the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
  • India can use a limited amount of water from these rivers for agriculture, storage, and hydropower under specified conditions.
• World Bank's Role:
  • The World Bank mediated the treaty and acts as a guarantor of its implementation.
  • It provides a mechanism for dispute resolution between the two nations.
• Significance of the Treaty:
  • It establishes cooperative water management between the two countries, despite political tensions.
  • Ensures equitable water distribution and prevents unilateral control over shared water resources.