Question map
Which of the following statements about the Indus Waters Treaty is/are correct ? 1. The term 'Eastern Rivers' means the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi taken together. 2. The term 'Western Rivers' means the Indus, the Jhelum and the Chenab taken together. Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation, provides a specific framework for sharing the Indus river system [3]. According to Article I of the treaty, the term 'Eastern Rivers' is defined as the Sutlej, the Beas, and the Ravi taken together [3]. Conversely, the term 'Western Rivers' refers to the Indus, the Jhelum, and the Chenab taken together [3]. Under the treaty's provisions, India is granted exclusive rights to the unrestricted use of the waters of the three Eastern Rivers [1]. Pakistan is allocated the waters of the three Western Rivers, though India is permitted certain limited uses for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric power generation purposes on these rivers subject to specific technical constraints [1]. Both statements provided in the question accurately reflect the treaty's definitions.
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > The Indus Water Treaty > p. 39
- [3] https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/6439/Indus