Abstract:
Water is a finite source with ever increasing stress on the same due to uneven natural distribution and increasing population. Over 260 water basins in the world are shared between two or more countries. Sharing of water basin between the states have always been a source of contention and the rules and laws have been formulated to protect the upper and lower riparian.
Pakistan is an agricultural country with more than 75% dependency in water sector and relying mainly on one water basin, namely Indus Basin. The two rival countries (India and Pakistan) have always been in confrontation with each other. However Indus Waters Treaty 1960 has been a great achievement for the solution of water distribution between the two countries. But the option of India for violating the treaty or backing off cannot be ruled out, keeping in view the strains between the two countries and stressed water resources on both sides.
India has been executing different projects of water storage and power generation on the water resources allocated to Pakistan under the treaty, which have been held up time and again and designs have been modified to meet the requirements. River Chenab and Jhelum have been studied in this regard for different options available with the adversary, number of days and quantum of water stoppage has been calculated for the lean period (Oct-Mar) of the year. Water stoppage days and quantum has been calculated for the driest year being the most critical option in all the scenarios and average year being the most probable option to encounter with. The effects have been discussed on agricultural, power generation, Mangla Dam reservoir operation and defense and strategic requirements.
Although being the lower riparian, there is less to do with, however the efficacy of Mangla Dam can be further improved by diverting waters from Mangla reservoir and meeting the needs downstream of Marala Headworks. For this purpose the feasibility of either a new canal or enhancement of the existing Upper Jhelum Canal is recommended. Construction of new water storages is of course the need of the time to mitigate the effects of water stoppage/ deficiency.
