The 1960 World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan is essential for transboundary water sharing. This historic agreement must be reevaluated due to climate change and population growth.
Climate change has hampered glacier and snowmelt water flow in the Indus basin, hurting agriculture and industry. Pakistan relies on the Indus for irrigation, but poor water quality and irregular monsoons threaten food security and biodiversity.
Infrastructure projects that affect downstream flows can cause IWT disputes, escalating riparian state tensions. Environmental Flows (EF) are required by law, yet controversies like the Kishanganga dam show that they persist.
Ecological perspectives in the IWT are essential to addressing these issues. EFs must be enforced to sustain aquatic ecosystems, and global watercourse accords must be followed to prevent harm and ensure equitable use.
Also necessary are real-time data sharing and comprehensive monitoring. A World Bank-supervised data exchange mechanism can improve transparency and facilitate adaptive measures.
Through holistic basin management and sustainability over river management, India and Pakistan may turn the IWT into a beacon of collaboration amid geopolitical difficulties. Managing climate vulnerabilities collectively secures water supplies and creates a global example for transboundary climate resilience.
