India Cutting Chenab’s Supply Will Increase Water Shortage & Impact Crops, Accepts Pakistan
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty have taken a new turn, with Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) acknowledging that India’s decision to cut the flow of the Chenab river would exacerbate water shortages across the country. The move, which is a direct result of the suspension of the treaty, will also have a significant impact on kharif crops, which are already facing a shortage.
According to IRSA, the remaining early kharif season is expected to face a 21% shortage, while the late kharif season is estimated to be hit by a 7% shortage. This is a stark warning for Pakistan, which is already reeling from the effects of climate change and a prolonged drought.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan, and it aimed to resolve the water-sharing disputes between the two countries. However, the treaty has been under scrutiny in recent years, with India accusing Pakistan of violating its terms and Pakistan claiming that India is not respecting its share of the waters.
The tensions between the two countries came to a head in August 2021, when India decided to suspend the treaty, citing Pakistan’s non-compliance with its terms. This move was seen as a major escalation of the conflict, and it has left Pakistan facing a severe water crisis.
IRSA has warned that the reduction in the flow of the Chenab river will have a devastating impact on Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. The authority has called on India to reconsider its decision and to work towards finding a solution that benefits both countries.
The news comes as a major blow to Pakistan’s farmers, who are already struggling to cope with the effects of climate change and a prolonged drought. The kharif crops, which are the mainstay of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, are already facing a shortage, and the reduction in the flow of the Chenab river will only exacerbate the problem.
In a statement, IRSA said that the reduction in the flow of the Chenab river will have a significant impact on Pakistan’s water resources, and it will lead to a severe shortage of water for irrigation and other purposes.
“This decision will have a devastating impact on Pakistan’s agriculture sector, and it will lead to a severe shortage of water for irrigation and other purposes,” the authority said. “We urge India to reconsider its decision and to work towards finding a solution that benefits both countries.”
The news has sent shockwaves through Pakistan, with many calling for the government to take immediate action to address the crisis. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the country’s main opposition party, has accused the government of being asleep at the wheel and of failing to take necessary steps to address the crisis.
“This is a major crisis, and it requires immediate attention,” said a PML-N spokesperson. “The government must take immediate action to address the shortage of water and to protect the country’s agriculture sector.”
The crisis is not limited to Pakistan alone, as it has also raised concerns about the impact on the region’s food security. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the reduction in the flow of the Chenab river could lead to a shortage of food in the region, and it has called on India and Pakistan to find a solution that benefits both countries.
“This is a major crisis that requires immediate attention,” said a WFP spokesperson. “We urge India and Pakistan to find a solution that benefits both countries and to protect the region’s food security.”
In conclusion, the decision by India to cut the flow of the Chenab river will have a devastating impact on Pakistan’s water resources and agriculture sector. The move will exacerbate water shortages and will have a significant impact on kharif crops, which are already facing a shortage. It is essential for India and Pakistan to work together to find a solution that benefits both countries and to protect the region’s food security.
