Revisiting Indus Water Treaty can help Pak, India-2802-News

Underlining the need for cooperation and cross border research on Indus River Basin, the experts at a report launch have called India and Pakistan to revisit ‘Indus Water Treaty’ to fulfill future water needs in both the countries.

The report titled “Indus Basin Roadmap for Cross-Border Water Research, Data Sharing, and Policy Coordination” was organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Wednesday.

Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, Senior Research Associate, SDPI started the proceedings and said that report is produced by Indus Working Group which is the outcome of Pakistan-India Track-II project for which SDPI has partnered with the Stimson Center, Washington DC. He briefed that working group is comprised of 25 experts that joined hand to build mutual understanding between Indian and Pakistani decisions-makers on risks and opportunities arising out of Indus river basin. Sharing the recommendation of the report, David Michel, Director Environmental Security, Stimson Center, USA said that effective management of the basin’s water resources — built on sound scientific data, guided by an integrated knowledge base, and anchored by capacity building and confidence building measures — can promote a sustainable future for both India and Pakistan in the Indus Basin.

He said, the report stresses on cross-border dissemination of hydrological data; promotion of laser land leveling technology and drip irrigation systems; establishing best practices for increased water storage; and identifying alternative crops better suited for growth in the basin’s arid climate. It also prioritize investment in regular maintenance of canal infrastructure to minimize agricultural water losses.

Citing recommendation on energy and economic development, he focused on initiating a professional exchange program for experts between both the countries and educate people on how climate change and shifting precipitation patterns are influencing water availability. It also recommends developing a digitized online model of the Indus Basin and increase the knowledge base on monsoon variability trends to improve outcomes for rainfall dependent agriculture.

He said, existing treaty has no provisions on how to respond to variations in water flow that climate change could engender. “Nor does the agreement contain effectively binding provisions to address water quality or pollution. Similarly, while the two countries share trans-boundary aquifers, there are no provisions for managing groundwater supplies,” he went on to add. He concluded by saying that the water scarcity is common challenge that pose existential threat to India and Pakistan and its essential that both countries adopt a joint approach to address the issue.

Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad lamented the inefficient use of water and said that efficiency of only 40 percent in agriculture water usage is a crime that cannot be tolerated. He talked of comprehensive water distribution arrangements between the upper riparian region and lower riparian regions not only between India and Pakistan but also between the provinces. Dr. Iqrar said that Pakistan has one of the world’s lowest ratio for water storage and suggested introducing rainwater harvesting and watershed management in Indus river basin.