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 move to cut the flow of the Chenab River after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would lead to increased water shortages across the country. The IRSA has further warned that this decision would also have a significant impact on the kharif crops, which are already facing a severe shortage.
The IWT, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. However, India’s recent move to suspend the treaty has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for Pakistan’s water supply.
According to the IRSA, India’s decision to cut the flow of the Chenab River would lead to a 21% shortage of water for the remaining early kharif season. This would have a devastating impact on the crops, which are already struggling due to the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions.
In addition to the kharif crops, the IRSA has also warned that the water shortage in the late kharif season is estimated to be around 7%. This would further exacerbate the already critical situation, making it difficult for farmers to maintain their crops and meet their water needs.
The IRSA has appealed to the international community to intervene in the matter and ensure that India complies with the IWT. The authority has also requested that the World Bank, which is responsible for monitoring the IWT, take immediate action to resolve the issue and prevent any further damage to Pakistan’s water resources.
Pakistan’s water crisis is already a pressing concern, with the country facing severe shortages in recent years. The situation has been exacerbated by climate change, which has led to a decline in the country’s water resources. The country’s water storage capacity is already under strain, and the ongoing dry spell has further reduced the available water supply.
The impact of the water shortage on Pakistan’s crops is already being felt, with many farmers struggling to maintain their yields. The country’s agricultural sector is a significant contributor to its economy, and any disruptions to the sector could have far-reaching consequences.
In light of this, Pakistan’s decision to accept the IRSA’s warning and appeal to the international community is a welcome step. The country needs to take immediate action to address its water crisis and ensure that its agricultural sector is protected from the negative impacts of climate change.
The Indian government’s decision to suspend the IWT has sparked widespread criticism in Pakistan, with many accusing India of attempting to exert pressure on the country’s water resources. The move has also been seen as a violation of the treaty, which aims to ensure the peaceful and equitable sharing of the Indus River’s waters.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s acceptance of the IRSA’s warning highlights the urgent need for India to reconsider its decision to cut the flow of the Chenab River. The move would have severe consequences for Pakistan’s water supply and agricultural sector, and could further exacerbate the country’s already critical water crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the international community intervenes to resolve the issue and ensure that the IWT is upheld. Pakistan’s water crisis is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention, and any moves that could exacerbate the situation must be avoided.
