Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper II (India–Pakistan Relations, Water Governance) | GS Paper III (Energy, Environment)
Source: Indian Express ; Ministry of Power; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Context

India has kept the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) in abeyance and accelerated hydropower development in the Chenab basin. Recently, the Environment Ministry’s expert panel recommended clearance for Dulhasti Stage-II (260 megawatt) in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, proposed by NHPC Limited.

Indus Waters Treaty: Core Concept

• The Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocates the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) largely to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
• India retains the right to non-consumptive use of western rivers, mainly run-of-the-river hydropower, subject to design and storage restrictions.

Why the Chenab Push Matters

• Signals a strategic assertion of treaty-permitted rights amid strained India–Pakistan relations.
• Aims to enhance energy security in a sensitive border region.
• Raises concerns over river ecology, downstream flows, and local livelihoods, requiring strict environmental safeguards.

Q. With reference to the Indus Waters Treaty, consider the following statements:

1. India is permitted non-consumptive hydropower projects on the Chenab River.
2. The Treaty allocates the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej exclusively to Pakistan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2