Rainfall in eastern river basins down 20% since 1951: Study on water availability in Indus river system
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A study by Vimal Mishra and Urmin Vegad highlights a 20% decline in rainfall in eastern Indus basin rivers since 1951, providing a scientific basis for India to renegotiate the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Background
The study compares precipitation trends between 1951 and 2024, noting a 20% decline in eastern rivers versus a 6% decline in western rivers. It identifies significant groundwater depletion in the Sutlej and Ravi sub-basins while noting better availability in the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus basins.
Facts for Prelims
- FactRainfall in eastern Indus basin rivers declined by 20% between 1951 and 2024.
- FactWestern rivers of the Indus basin saw a 6% reduction in precipitation during the same period.
- PlaceSutlej and Ravi sub-basins are identified as areas with significant groundwater depletion.
- BodyIndus Waters Treaty (1960) governs the distribution of three perennial rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) and three tributaries (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
For Mains
Q. Discuss how climate-induced hydrological changes in the Indus Basin necessitate a review of the Indus Waters Treaty to ensure equitable water sharing.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Hydrological shift: Disproportionate rainfall decline in eastern basins affecting the water-sharing balance established in 1960.
- Climate-treaty mismatch: The 1960 treaty lacks provisions for climate-induced changes in river flow and glacial melt.
- Groundwater stress: Rapid depletion in Sutlej and Ravi sub-basins creating domestic and agricultural water insecurity.
Keywords: Hydrological variability · Climate-induced scarcity · Transboundary water governance · Equitable distribution · Groundwater depletion
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