After partition and independence of India and Pakistan boundaries were drawn right across Indus Basin. It left Pakistan as lower riparian (end side of river) and India as upper riparian (origin of river). Two important irrigation head works, one at Madhopur on Ravi River and the other at Ferozepur on Sutlej River, on which the irrigation canal supplies in Punjab (Pakistan) had been completely dependent, were left in the Indian Territory.
The distribution of water among two nations becomes a bone of contention. A dispute arose regarding use of water between India and Pakistan regarding the utilization of irrigation water from existing facilities. To settle the dispute talks and negotiations were held under the offices of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). These talks were culminated in the signing of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in 1960.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed on 19 September 1960 in Karachi. The Treaty however is effective from1st April, 1960 (Effective Date). It was signed between the Government of India and Pakistan to equally utilize the water of Indus system of rivers.
Who signed the Treaty?
The treaty was signed between Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India and Mohammad Ayub Khan (Field Marshal), President of Pakistan. This pact was negotiated by the World Bank. For the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development was signed by W.A.B. Iliif.
India was granted unrestricted access to the water from the ‘Eastern Rivers’ — the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — and Pakistan retained rights to the waters from the ‘Western Rivers’ Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
India has been permitted Agricultural Use of 7,01,000 acres over and above the Irrigated Cropped Area (ICA) as on 1.4.60. Out of this additional ICA of 7,01,000 acres, only 2,70,000 can be developed (i.e. a total ICA of 9,12,477 acres including that on 1.4.1960) till storages are constructed and 0.5 MAF ofwater is released there from every year. ICA during 2011-12 was 7,84,955 Acres.
Under the Treaty, India and Pakistan have each created a permanent post of Commissioner for Indus Waters. They together constitute the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which is entrusted with the implementation of the Treaty. The PIC is required to hold meetings and tours and submit report on its work to the two Governments every year.