India has started developing new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir after suspending some of the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, government officials said.
India and Pakistan entered into an agreement with the assistance of the World Bank in 1960 under the Indus Waters Treaty. The two nations could share six rivers flowing between them under this treaty. Three of the rivers in the east were placed under India's control, and three western rivers were placed under Pakistan's control, among which was the Indus River.
But India has suspended its participation in the treaty for the time being, claiming that the treaty is old and needs to be rewritten to suit new challenges and demands. It follows years of escalating tension between the two countries, including in the use of water and local conflicts.
Sources indicate that India is now proceeding with numerous hydropower projects in the Himalayas. These involve the construction of dams that will serve to generate power and hold water for future purposes. Authorities demonstrate that this will serve to enhance India's capacity for energy as well as ensuring improved water management in the area.
Pakistan has been complaining all along that Indian projects would cut down its water flow. But India insists that it is using the water legally and as per the terms of the original agreement.
This development will be terrifying for Pakistan, but Indian authorities are convinced that it is a step towards securing the future of the country's water and energy.
India has not abandoned the treaty altogether but is coming in with stricter terms to secure its rights over river waters.
