The Indus’ Eastern Rivers: Food Security, Water Use Efficiency and Ecology
J. Catherine
Head, Research & Publication, MRC, Pune
Following the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, India was granted exclusive usage of the three “eastern tributaries” of the Indus River, namely the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi Rivers. In India, these rivers flow through the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh with a mean annual flow of 33 million acre-feet (MAF). Whereas, waters of the three “western rivers”- the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum- with a mean annual flow of 80 MAF was allotted to Pakistan. It can be argued that during the negotiation process the question of food security led to this skewed arrangement. At the time of partition, the plain region of the basin situated mostly in Punjab had extensive canal system built by the British which were dependent on the eastern tributaries. After partition most of the existing canal network became a part of Pakistan’s Punjab region.
Full Article Content
Sign in to read the complete article.
J. Catherine
Head, Research & Publication, MRC, Pune
Catherine is performing her research on Indus Water River system at Maritime Research Centre, Pune.