Govt dismisses Pak allegation of India deliberately causing flooding
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Pakistan accused India of deliberately causing flooding in the Chenab river. India dismissed the allegation as baseless, attributing the high flows to intense monsoon rainfall. The issue highlights ongoing tensions under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Background
The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) governs water sharing between India and Pakistan. India has held the treaty in abeyance since 2025, citing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism. Despite this, India continues to share high flood data on humanitarian grounds.
Key facts
India dismissed Pakistan's allegation of deliberately causing flooding as baseless.
High flows in Chenab river from July 20-23 were due to intense monsoon rainfall over Jammu and adjoining catchment areas.
Pakistan's own flood advisory (July 22) attributed high flood levels to heavy rainfall and predicted gradual recession.
India reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance until Pakistan credibly abjures cross-border terrorism.
India will continue to share high flood data with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds via diplomatic channels.
Observed flows did not reach extraordinary discharge levels requiring flood warnings, per India.
Prelims pointers
- Indus Waters Treaty: signed in 1960, brokered by World Bank.
- Chenab River: a tributary of Indus, flows through India and Pakistan.
- Marala Headworks: a barrage on Chenab in Pakistan.
- MEA: Ministry of External Affairs.
Mains angles
- GS2: India-Pakistan bilateral relations, water disputes, and the Indus Waters Treaty.
- GS2: Role of international treaties in managing transboundary rivers.
- GS3: Disaster management and flood forecasting mechanisms.