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 acknowledged that India’s decision to cut the flow of the Chenab river after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will exacerbate water shortages across the country. The IRSA has warned that this move will also have a significant impact on kharif crops, which are already expected to face a shortage of 21% for the remaining early kharif season. Furthermore, the water shortage in the late kharif season is estimated to be around 7%.
The IWT, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. However, India has been accused of violating the treaty several times, which has led to tensions between the two countries. Last year, India unilaterally suspended the treaty, citing Pakistan’s non-cooperation in implementing the treaty’s provisions.
The Chenab river, which is a significant tributary of the Indus, is a crucial source of water for Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The river’s flow is estimated to be around 7,000 cusecs, but India’s move to cut the supply is expected to reduce it further. The IRSA has warned that this will not only exacerbate water shortages but also have a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector.
The kharif season, which is the summer crop season in Pakistan, is already expected to face a significant shortage of water. The IRSA has estimated that the water shortage for the remaining early kharif season will be around 21%, which is expected to result in a significant reduction in crop yields. The water shortage in the late kharif season is estimated to be around 7%, which is also expected to have a significant impact on crop yields.
The IRSA has warned that the water shortage will not only impact crop yields but also increase the cost of production for farmers. The authority has also expressed concerns that the water shortage will lead to a decrease in the country’s agricultural production, which could have a significant impact on the country’s economy.
The Pakistan government has been vocal about its concerns over India’s move to cut the supply of the Chenab river. The government has accused India of violating the IWT and has demanded that India take immediate action to restore the flow of the river. The government has also warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect Pakistan’s rights under the IWT.
The situation is becoming increasingly tense between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of violating the IWT. The Pakistan government has demanded that India provide a written guarantee that it will not cut the supply of the Chenab river further. The government has also warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect Pakistan’s rights under the IWT.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has accepted that India cutting the Chenab river’s flow after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty will increase water shortages across the country. The IRSA has warned that this move will also impact kharif crops, which are already expected to face a shortage of 21% for the remaining early kharif season. The water shortage in the late kharif season is estimated to be around 7%. The situation is becoming increasingly tense between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of violating the IWT. The Pakistan government has demanded that India provide a written guarantee that it will not cut the supply of the Chenab river further and has warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect Pakistan’s rights under the IWT.
