Indus water to Pakistan to be stopped, capacity of dams to be increased: Sources
The notification stated that the Indus Waters Treaty is being held in "abeyance", effectively suspending all treaty obligations, including meetings between Indus Commissioners, data sharing, and advance notice of new projects.With the treaty now suspended, India is free to construct dams on the river without needing approval or consultation with Pakistan.In a letter addressed to the Pakistani officials, India's Water Resources Secretary Debashree Mukherjee said that sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting Jammu and Kashmir impedes India's rights under the Indus Waters Treaty."The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the letter read.Meanwhile, Pakistan on Thursday rejected India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and said any measures to stop the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the pact will be seen as an "act of war". The countries signed the treaty in September 1960 after nine years of negotiations with the sole aim to manage issues relating to cross-border rivers.advertisementThe suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was part of a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, which also included the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani military attachs, immediate closure of the Attari land transit post and Obroi post, and the downsizing of diplomatic missions.MAJOR IMPACT ON PAKISTANIndia's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is expected to have serious repercussions for Pakistan's agricultural economy, disrupting crucial water data sharing and reducing flows during key crop seasons, according to experts.Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty allocates the eastern rivers -- Sutlej, Beas and Ravi -- to India and the western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- to Pakistan. An average annual flow of around 135 MAF was largely allocated to Pakistan.However, the treaty includes no clause allowing unilateral suspension.Tune InMust Watch
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