In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.

Government of India has given noble under provision for neutral consideration of IWT 1962. Current Mechanism: - 3 western rivers: Indus, Tilism, Chenab (used by Pakistan) - 3 eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (used by India) - But India can use western rivers for non-consumption purpose and holding run of river project - Dispute resolution Steps: - IWT Neutral → Arbitrates Expert → PLA However, Pakistan has violated the mechanism & simultaneously appointed a resolution mechanism.

Implications: 1) Renegotiate treaty and clarify dispute resolution process 2) Clarify conditions of non-consumptive use 3) Ensure that Pak doesn't misuse treaty to stall projects (like Rattle, Raglial hydroelectric gun of rivers) 4) On a worse case, it could lead to potential deadlock & politicization by vested interest 5) Maybe misused by China as precedent (to challenge Brahmaputra river flows) India, nonetheless, should take legal course & send note as per IWT. It should be opportunity to incorporate international best practices like Helsinki Rules for water sharing of transboundary rivers

— Shoham Teberiwal · AIR 77