Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Water is a vital resource for survival, economic development, and geopolitical stability. In South Asia, where rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Teesta traverse international borders, transboundary water management has become a critical issue.

• Shared river systems connect India with its neighbors — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and China — but also create disputes over water sharing, resource utilization, and dam construction.

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Transboundary Water Issues Involving India:

• India-Pakistan: Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
  • The Indus Water Treaty (1960), brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the Indus River system between India and Pakistan.
    • Challenges: Pakistan accuses India of violating the treaty by constructing hydropower projects (e.g., Kishanganga and Ratle projects) on western rivers.
      • India, on the other hand, contends that Pakistan obstructs legitimate projects permitted under the treaty.
• India-Bangladesh: Ganga and Teesta Rivers
  • The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) governs water sharing between India and Bangladesh during the dry season at Farakka Barrage.
    • Challenges: During lean months, Bangladesh accuses India of releasing insufficient water, impacting agriculture and livelihoods downstream.
      • Rising concerns over climate change have intensified disputes over reduced water availability.
    • Teesta River Issue: Bangladesh demands an equitable share of Teesta waters, but the agreement remains pending due to opposition from West Bengal, citing its own water needs.
• India-China: Brahmaputra River
  • The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet (Yarlung Tsangpo), flows through India and Bangladesh.
    • Challenges: China’s construction of large dams, like the Zangmu Dam, raises concerns in India about reduced downstream water flows, particularly during the lean season.
      • Lack of a formal water-sharing agreement and limited data-sharing on river flows increase uncertainty.
• India-Nepal: Mahakali and Kosi Rivers
  • Mahakali Treaty (1996): Governs water-sharing and the construction of projects like the Tanakpur Barrage.
    • Challenges: Nepal accuses India of unilateral construction of dams and non-implementation of treaty provisions.
      • Flooding in Nepal due to Indian projects, such as the Kosi Barrage, leads to dissatisfaction.

Impact of Transboundary Water Issues on Regional Stability:

• Geopolitical Tensions and Trust Deficit
  • Water disputes exacerbate existing political and security issues, such as the India-Pakistan hostility or the India-China rivalry.
  • Neighboring countries view India’s water management projects with suspicion, believing they might be used as tools for coercion, particularly during periods of heightened political tension.
• Environmental and Livelihood Concerns
  • Disputes over water sharing often delay collaborative projects, worsening environmental degradation and water scarcity.
  • For example, delays in the Teesta water-sharing agreement affect millions of farmers in Bangladesh and northeastern India, creating social and economic instability.
• Risk of "Hydro-hegemony"
  • India, as an upper riparian state for most rivers, is often accused by neighbors of pursuing “hydro-hegemony” through unilateral water infrastructure projects.
    • This fuels regional resentment and could push smaller neighbors like Nepal and Bangladesh towards China for support.
• Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier
  • Melting Himalayan glaciers and erratic monsoons due to climate change exacerbate water scarcity in South Asia, increasing the frequency of disputes.
    • For example, reduced Brahmaputra flows during lean seasons could worsen India-China-Bangladesh tensions.
• Missed Opportunities for Regional Cooperation
  • Water disputes hinder South Asia's potential for regional cooperation on energy, irrigation, and disaster management.
    • For instance, the absence of a comprehensive basin-wide approach for the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system prevents joint flood control and sustainable river basin development.

Suggestions for Strengthening Water Diplomacy:

• Basin-Wide Cooperation Mechanisms
  • Create multilateral frameworks like the Mekong River Commission for collaborative river basin management, ensuring data sharing, joint planning, and equitable water distribution.
• Strengthen Bilateral Agreements
  • Expedite pending agreements, such as the Teesta Accord, by engaging all stakeholders, including Indian states like West Bengal, in the negotiation process.
• Data Sharing and Transparency
  • India and China should establish robust data-sharing agreements, particularly for the Brahmaputra, to reduce mistrust during floods or lean seasons.
• Leverage Regional Platforms
  • Use platforms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to initiate discussions on transboundary water management and promote confidence-building measures.
• Climate Adaptation Strategies
  • Develop climate-resilient water-sharing mechanisms that address the impact of glacier melting, reduced river flows, and rising demand for water in the region.
• Joint Development Projects
  • Encourage joint development of hydropower and irrigation projects to foster interdependence and shared benefits.
    • For instance, India and Nepal could revive stalled projects like the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project for mutual energy and water security.

Conclusion

Transboundary water issues in South Asia are becoming increasingly critical for regional stability as rising water demands, climate change, and geopolitical rivalries exacerbate tensions. Strengthening bilateral agreements, fostering trust through data sharing, and adopting a basin-wide approach will be essential to turn water from a source of conflict into a means of cooperation. By doing so, India and its neighbors can ensure sustainable development and lasting peace in the region.