Satellite images show reduced water flow in Chenab River after India suspends Indus Waters Treaty

Jammu and Kashmir: The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 has been a foundation of water distribution between India and Pakistan. Recently, there has been a remarkable change in the relationship between India and Pakistan. On April 22, there was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, who were mostly tourists. Due to this attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on the grounds of continuous cross-border terrorism by Pakistan.

Effect of suspension on water flow

Satellite photographs have revealed a decline in the movement of water in the Chenab river, one of the Western Rivers, close to Sialkot in Pakistan's Punjab province. The decline in the flow of water is a direct outcome of India's unilateral suspension of the agreement. The Chenab river is a major source of water for Pakistan, and any disruption in its flow can have devastating effects on the country's agriculture and economy.

India's stand

India's Secretary of Water Resources, Debashree Mukherjee, stated that Pakistan's persistent cross-border terrorism has prevented India from availing itself of the rights under the treaty. The letter to Pakistan also cited "fundamentally changed population demographics, the necessity to speed up clean energy development, and other changes" as reasons for re-examining the obligations of the treaty. India blamed Pakistan for breaching the treaty by refusing to negotiate amendments as required under Article XII(3).

Pakistan's response

Pakistan has condemned India's suspension of the treaty, asserting that any move to impound or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan will be interpreted as an "act ofwar." Pakistan is to approach India to the international court in a desperate attempt to get some relief.

Consequences of the suspension

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has great implications for India and Pakistan. For India, it enables the nation to better utilize its water resources, while for Pakistan, it is a great threat to its water security. The treaty has been an emblem of harmony between the two nations, and its suspension signals a new era in their relationship.

Raft of Measures adopted by India against Pakistan

India has taken various steps against Pakistan, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military attaches, and the immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post. These actions reflect India's determination to being firm against the actions of Pakistan.

Indus Waters Treaty has been an cornerstone of two countries

Suspendtion of Indus Waters Treaty is a strong turning point for India-Pak relationship. Indus Waters Treaty has been an cornerstone of two countries' sharing water, and suspension of treaty means a fresh page in relationship of these nations. The fallout of this suspension will be major, and yet it is seen to be unpredictable what will come next.