• It was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with World Bank mediation, to allocate the waters of the Indus River system and resolve post-partition disputes.
  • India controls the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) for unrestricted use.
  • Pakistan manages the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), allocated 80%, with India permitted limited irrigation and unlimited non-consumptive uses like hydropower.
  • India has suspended the IWT in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
Hydroelectric Run-of-the-River (ROR) Projects

  • Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (Jhelum Tributary): Located in J&K, this project diverts water from the Kishanganga (Neelum in Pakistan) to a power plant in the Jhelum basin. 
  • Ratle Hydroelectric Project (Chenab River): Located in Kishtwar district, J&K. This project is a major point of dispute, with Pakistan raising objections regarding its design and capacity.
  • Baglihar Dam (Chenab River): A substantial ROR project in Doda/Ramban district. It was the first major project where Pakistan requested a Neutral Expert, who largely ruled in India’s favor.
  • Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project (Marusudar River): A large tributary of the Chenab, this project is located in Kishtwar, J&K.
  • Lower Kalnai Project (Chenab River): Located in Doda district, J&K, this is another project facing scrutiny from Pakistan under IWT provisions.
  • Tulbul Navigation Project (Jhelum): Although primarily for navigation, its regulation of Wular Lake water levels affects hydropower generation. 

 

Source: The Indian Express

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