India Cutting Chenab’s Supply Will Increase Water Shortage & Impact Crops, Accepts Pakistan
In a recent development, Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has accepted that India cutting Chenab river’s flow after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty would increase water shortages across the country. The IRSA further claimed that this move would also impact kharif crops, which are already estimated to face a 21% shortage for the remaining early kharif season.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, aimed at sharing the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries. However, tensions have been rising between the two countries over the treaty’s implementation, with India unilaterally suspending the treaty in September 2020.
As a result, Pakistan has been facing severe water shortages, and the IRSA’s latest statement only adds to the country’s woes. The authority stated that the reduction in Chenab’s flow would exacerbate the existing water shortage, which is already affecting the country’s agricultural sector.
According to IRSA, the water shortage in the late kharif season is estimated to be around 7%. This is a significant concern, as the kharif season is critical for Pakistan’s agriculture, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. The crops that are already planted during this season are in dire need of adequate water supply to ensure a healthy yield.
The IRSA’s statement has sparked concerns among farmers and agricultural experts in Pakistan. They are worried that the reduction in water supply will not only impact the existing crops but also affect the next season’s crops. This could lead to a decline in agricultural productivity, resulting in economic losses and food insecurity.
Pakistan’s agriculture sector is already facing significant challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. The country has been relying heavily on groundwater irrigation, which is unsustainable in the long run. The shortage of surface water is making it difficult for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
The Indian government’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty has been seen as a move to assert its sovereignty over the Indus River and its tributaries. India has been facing criticism from Pakistan for not consulting with the country before taking the decision.
Pakistan has been urging India to resume the treaty and negotiate a new agreement that takes into account the changing water needs of both countries. However, India has been reluctant to resume the treaty, citing Pakistan’s failure to comply with the treaty’s provisions.
The dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty has been ongoing for several years, with both countries accusing each other of violating the treaty’s provisions. The treaty allows India to use the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries up to a certain limit, but Pakistan has been complaining that India has been exceeding these limits.
The latest development has raised concerns among environmentalists and experts, who fear that the reduction in water supply will have long-term consequences for the Indus River Basin. The basin is home to several endangered species, including the Indus dolphin and the snow leopard.
The Indus River is also a lifeline for many communities in Pakistan, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and other domestic purposes. The reduction in water supply will not only impact agriculture but also affect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the river.
In conclusion, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and India’s decision to cut Chenab’s supply will have severe consequences for Pakistan’s water security and agricultural sector. The IRSA’s statement has accepted that the move will increase water shortages across the country, impacting kharif crops and affecting the livelihoods of millions of people.
It is essential for India and Pakistan to resume negotiations and come to a mutually beneficial agreement that takes into account the changing water needs of both countries. The Indus Waters Treaty is a critical component of the region’s water security, and its suspension has far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and the people of the region.
