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The Kishanganga Dam issue is a significant point of contention between India and Pakistan, primarily concerning water rights and regional geopolitics. The dam, constructed on the Kishanganga River (known as the Neelum River in Pakistan), has been a focal point in the broader dispute over water resources in the Indus Basin.
The Kishanganga Dam is located in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a hydroelectric project intended to harness the river’s flow to generate power, particularly to benefit the power-starved regions of northern India. The project was initiated by India as part of its strategy to develop its hydroelectric potential in the region.
The controversy primarily arises from the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, which regulates water distribution from the Indus River and its tributaries. According to the treaty:
The Kishanganga River is a tributary of the Jhelum River, and according to the IWT, India has the right to use the waters of the Western Rivers for agricultural and domestic purposes, provided that it does not adversely affect Pakistan’s water rights.
Water Flow Reduction: Pakistan argues that the construction of the Kishanganga Dam will significantly reduce the flow of water into the Neelum River, affecting its water availability for agriculture and power generation in Pakistan. The reduction in flow could potentially impact the lower riparian rights of Pakistan as per the IWT.
Design and Operation: India’s dam design involves diverting part of the river’s flow through a tunnel to a power station, which Pakistan claims violates the IWT by diverting water away from the Neelum River and impacting downstream water availability.
Legal and Diplomatic Actions: The issue was brought before the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) under the IWT’s dispute resolution mechanism. In 2013, the ICA ruled that India must reduce the height of the Kishanganga Dam’s spillways to ensure that the flow to Pakistan is not adversely affected. However, the ruling allowed India to continue with its project while adhering to the court’s guidelines.
Regional Tensions: The Kishanganga Dam issue has exacerbated tensions between India and Pakistan, contributing to broader geopolitical friction in the region. Both countries have used water disputes as leverage in their diplomatic relations.
Impact on Local Communities: The construction and operation of the dam have affected local communities in the Indian-administered areas, leading to displacement and socio-economic changes. It also has implications for the local ecology and environment.
Strategic Considerations: For India, the Kishanganga Dam is part of a larger strategy to enhance its hydroelectric capacity and manage water resources more effectively. For Pakistan, the issue is critical for ensuring that its water rights under the IWT are upheld and for maintaining agricultural productivity.
The Kishanganga Dam issue exemplifies the complex interplay between international treaties, national interests, and regional geopolitics. It underscores the challenges of managing shared water resources in a manner that respects international agreements while addressing national development needs. For UPSC aspirants, understanding this issue provides insight into international water disputes, diplomatic negotiations, and the broader context of Indo-Pak relations.
The Kishanganga Dam issue refers to the conflict between India and Pakistan over the construction and operation of the Kishanganga Dam, also known as the Neelum-Jhelum Project, on the Kishanganga River in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. This river is a tributary of the Jhelum River, which flows into Pakistan.
The controversy arises from concerns over the dam’s impact on water flow into Pakistan. Pakistan argues that the dam’s construction violates the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which governs water-sharing arrangements between the two countries. India, on the other hand, maintains that the dam is in compliance with the treaty’s provisions.
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. It allocates the use of the Indus River system’s waters between the two countries. The treaty gives India control over the waters of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Chenab) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus).
Pakistan’s primary concerns include:
India argues that:
The ICA’s ruling in 2013 allowed India to continue with the construction of the Kishanganga Dam but required India to adhere to certain conditions to ensure minimal impact on Pakistan’s water rights. This included maintaining a certain minimum flow of water during periods of low flow.
The issue is part of the larger framework of India-Pakistan relations and reflects the complexities of transboundary water management. It influences bilateral negotiations, regional stability, and cooperation on water resources.
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