Centre to Hold Crucial Meet on Ground Implementation of Indus Water Treaty Suspension

NEW DELHI:
In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam—allegedly backed by Pakistan—India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960 has triggered immediate high-level action. A key meeting is scheduled for 4 PM today, chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, to assess the logistical and infrastructural feasibility of implementing this strategic move on the ground.

The Treaty—brokered by the World Bank—gave Pakistan rights over the western rivers of the Indus basin: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, while India retained exclusive usage of the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Halting the flow from western rivers, which supply over 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural irrigation needs, could have significant repercussions for the neighbouring nation’s economy and food security.

However, executing the suspension isn’t as simple as shutting a valve.

According to a research paper by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF):

• The total volume of water from the western rivers amounts to 117 billion cubic metres (BCM) annually—enough to submerge the entire Kashmir Valley under seven metres of water.
• Storing this water would require the construction of 30 reservoirs the size of the Tehri Dam every year, demanding massive land acquisition and infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive zones.
• As for diversion, even rerouting one river would involve building a man-made river stretching hundreds of kilometres, an undertaking with astronomical financial and environmental costs, estimated in lakhs of crores of rupees.

Experts note that even if implemented, the impact on Pakistan wouldn’t be felt for 30 to 50 years, while immediate ecological consequences could be severe for India.

The move marks a historic policy shift—the first serious step by India to actively weaponize the Treaty, long seen as a symbol of cooperation amid hostility. Sources suggest the decision is intended as a clear strategic message to Pakistan about the cost of sponsoring terror.

Today’s meeting will delve into the engineering, environmental, legal, and diplomatic ramifications of the Treaty suspension, and may chart out short-term alternatives like enhancing existing Indian water usage under the Treaty’s provisions.

While India has previously hinted at reevaluating the Treaty following cross-border terror attacks, this is the first time the government has indicated a concrete shift from rhetoric to action.