The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is often hailed as a successful example of international water-sharing agreements, yet a closer examination reveals a history of compromises and constraints for India. The treaty divides the Indus River basin between India and Pakistan, allocating the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan. While granting Pakistan control over the majority of the basin's water (approximately 80%), India retains the right to use the western rivers for specific purposes, including hydropower generation, with certain restrictions.
The Salal Hydroelectric Project: An Early Compromise
The 690 MW Salal hydroelectric project, located on the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, was the first project disputed under the IWT. Conceived in 1920, its feasibility studies began in 1961, with construction starting in 1970. Pakistan raised concerns regarding its design, height, and potential impact on water flow. To reach a bilateral agreement in 1978, India made significant concessions, including reducing the dam's height, eliminating the operating pool, and plugging the under-sluices meant for sediment management. These compromises, while enabling the project's completion in 1987, led to operational challenges, particularly sedimentation, which continues to affect the project's efficiency. As of May 1, 2025, the Salal project was generating 115 MW of electricity. Recent reports indicate that India initiated flushing of the Salal reservoir to remove accumulated silt, a process that impacts power generation and downstream water flow to Pakistan.
The Ratle Hydroelectric Project: A Continuing Dispute
The 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Plant, a run-of-the-river scheme on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, has also faced disputes. Pakistan has frequently alleged that the project violates the Indus Waters Treaty. The project includes a 133-meter-high concrete gravity dam and is designed to generate 3,136 million units of electricity annually. Construction began in January 2022, and operations are scheduled to commence in 2026. The World Bank allowed India to construct the dam in August 2017, after Pakistan alleged that the construction of the dam was not in line with the Indus Water Treaty.
Broader Implications and Recent Developments
The IWT has faced increasing strain, particularly in light of recent events. Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India suspended the IWT and initiated reservoir flushing operations at the Baglihar and Salal dams without prior notice to Pakistan. This decision signifies a shift towards prioritizing national interests and security concerns over treaty obligations. Some experts believe that climate change has dramatically altered the hydrological reality of the Indus Basin, potentially justifying a re-evaluation of the treaty. India has also expedited work on other hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar, aiming to add over 3,000 megawatts of capacity by 2027-28. These actions and developments highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, raising questions about its future and the cost of cooperation between India and Pakistan.
