Experts from India and Pakistan met in Lahore last week to discuss the issues arising from the joint administration of the Indus River Water System by the two countries. The permanent Indus Water Commission has been in place for 57 years in spite of the four wars between the two countries. The Indus Water System is of great importance to water-starved Pakistan where farmers’ organizations have threatened mass protests against what they consider India’s plans to hurt their interests. Jihadis have taken advantage of the grievance. Islamabad has been putting emphasis on the three Indian projects which according to it go against the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. They are the 1000 MW Pakal Dul on the Chenab, the 120 MW Miyar and the 42 MW Lower Kalna. According to Pakistani media, India has agreed to stop work on the Miyar project. New Delhi however remains tight-lipped.
India actually appears to be keen on going ahead with its projects. The 1856 MW Sawal Kot dam is the most important on its drawing board. The Tulbul project which can ease river transport between Srinagar and Baramulla comes next. Pakistan apprehends that along with the dams at Salal and Baglihar, these projects can cause devastation to its agriculture. It may in the event lead to clouds of war gathering over the two countries. India of course should not give up its treaty rights. But at the same time, Pakistan’s concerns should not be lightly dismissed. Islamabad knows that promoting terrorism to serve strategic needs would be costly. Whereas high dams in the inner Himalayas will provide Pakistan with much needed water, the dams will meet India’s growing power needs. The way out lies in mutual understanding.
