World Bank-Appointed Neutral Expert to Adjudicate India-Pakistan Hydropower Dispute under Indus Waters Treaty
In a significant development, the Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank has declared his competence to adjudicate disputes between India and Pakistan regarding two hydroelectric projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes as a major validation of India’s stance under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
The Indus Waters Treaty: A Cornerstone of Bilateral Water Sharing
The Indus Waters Treaty is a landmark agreement signed by India and Pakistan to manage the distribution and utilization of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. Under the Treaty, India has control over the waters of the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan is allotted the western rivers—Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. However, the Treaty permits India to use the waters of the western rivers for non-consumptive purposes, such as hydroelectric power generation, subject to specific conditions.
The Dispute Over Hydroelectric Projects
The current dispute revolves around India’s construction of two hydroelectric projects—the Kishanganga Project on the Jhelum River and the Ratle Project on the Chenab River. Pakistan has raised objections, alleging that the projects violate the Treaty’s provisions by altering water flows and potentially impacting its share of water from the western rivers. India, however, has maintained that these projects comply with the Treaty’s guidelines and are designed to ensure minimal impact on downstream water availability.
Role of the Neutral Expert
The Neutral Expert’s involvement is a crucial mechanism under the IWT to resolve technical disputes. By declaring himself competent to adjudicate, the Expert has acknowledged the validity of India’s position and reaffirmed the Treaty’s dispute-resolution framework. This move is expected to provide clarity on the technical aspects of the projects and ensure fair adjudication.
Future Implications
The decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of the Indus Waters Treaty and bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. It underscores the importance of adhering to the Treaty’s mechanisms for dispute resolution, which aim to maintain peace and cooperation over shared water resources.
While the adjudication process moves forward, this development also highlights the need for both nations to engage in constructive dialogue to address their differences. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for resolving future disputes under the Treaty and could influence the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
As global water resources face increasing pressure due to climate change and population growth, the Indus Waters Treaty remains a vital framework for fostering cooperation and sustainable water management between India and Pakistan. The Neutral Expert’s decision is a step toward upholding this critical agreement while ensuring fair and equitable use of shared resources.
