Indus Waters Treaty

Quick Facts: Who was Indus Waters Treaty?

Subject:

Indus Waters Treaty

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A 1960 treaty dividing water rights in the Indus River system between India and Pakistan.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan to use the water available in the Indus River system in the territories of the two countries. The treaty was negotiated by India and Pakistan with the mediation of World Bank, and signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani president Ayub Khan.

Career & Major Achievements

It classifies six major rivers of the Indus Basin into two categories, and gives India control over the waters of the three "Eastern Rivers"—the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej—which have a total mean annual flow of 33 million acre⋅ft (41 billion m3), while control over the three "Western Rivers"—the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum—which have a total mean annual flow of 135 million acre⋅ft (167 billion m3), was given to Pakistan. India received control of roughly 20% of the total water carried by the rivers, while Pakistan received 80%.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The treaty allows India to use the water of Western Rivers for limited irrigation use and unlimited non-consumptive uses such as power generation, navigation, floating of property, fish culture, etc. It lays down detailed regulations for India in building projects over the Western Rivers.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1960: 1960 Milestone — The treaty was negotiated by India and Pakistan with the mediation of World Bank, and signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani president Ayub Khan.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Indus Waters Treaty

True or False: “The Indus Waters Treaty classified the rivers into two groups, granting India control over the 'Eastern Rivers' and Pakistan control over the 'Western Rivers'.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty indeed divided the rivers, assigning the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej to India, and the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum to Pakistan.

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