In a significant move, India is set to divert water from the Indus River system to address the rising demand in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This comes after recent disruptions in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, triggered by escalations following the Pahalgam terror attacks.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of six rivers between India and Pakistan. However, given the recent strains, India is exercising its right to optimize water usage for domestic needs. Experts say this diversion could improve water security for millions of people in the northern plains who often face acute shortages.
Delhi, in particular, has been struggling with recurring water crises. With population growth and industrial demand, the capitalβs dependency on additional water sources has never been higher. The diversion of Indus waters could provide much-needed relief, though officials caution that infrastructure upgrades will be necessary to channel and store the diverted flow effectively.
This move not only secures drinking water for citizens but also highlights Indiaβs intent to prioritize domestic resource security over a decades-old treaty that has often been politically sensitive.
π In essence, the diversion of Indus waters could be a game-changer for water-scarce states, even as it redefines South Asiaβs hydro-politics.