Farmers will get due share of water from Indus river, Chouhan assures farm outfits, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan supported the annulment of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a correction of historic injustice.

• Claimed India gave away 80% of Indus river water to Pakistan under the 1960 treaty.

• Farmers' organisations have demanded complete abrogation of the treaty.

• Emphasis on ensuring Indus water benefits Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.

• Government to intensify scientific outreach in villages to promote agricultural technology adoption.

Detailed Insights:

• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) brokered by the World Bank allocates three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.

• The treaty has survived multiple wars and tensions; India is now reconsidering its obligations under the treaty.

• Discussions held with State Agriculture Ministers and farmer groups reflect a political push toward asserting India’s water rights.

Key Concepts:

• Indus Waters Treaty: A water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, aimed at peaceful resolution of water disputes.

• Water Security: Strategic and political control over shared river systems is crucial for irrigation, livelihoods, and national security.

• Abrogation of Treaty: Must be in line with international law; unilateral withdrawal can have geopolitical consequences.

Significance:

• Aligns with India's broader stance to revisit older treaties that are perceived as unfair or strategically disadvantageous.

• The move may be aimed at strengthening domestic farmer support and addressing water scarcity concerns in north-western India.

• Could strain already tense India-Pakistan relations and affect regional hydro-diplomacy.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the implications of abrogating the Indus Waters Treaty on India’s domestic agriculture and regional diplomatic relations. Should India revisit old water-sharing agreements in light of changing strategic realities?