New Delhi Alerts Islamabad on Potential Flood in Tawi River Despite Abeyance of Indus Waters Treaty
Amid strained diplomatic relations following the Pahalgam terror attack and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India reportedly issued a flood warning to Pakistan about rising water levels in the Tawi River. This alert, conveyed through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, marks a rare goodwill gesture between the two nations.
India’s Flood Warning to Pakistan Amid Indus Treaty Suspension
- India informed Pakistan of a possible major flood in the Tawi River in Jammu via diplomatic channels.
- The alert came despite the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 2023 Pahalgam terror attack.
- Pakistani authorities issued flood warnings based on India’s information, according to Geo News citing official sources.
- No official confirmation from India or Pakistan yet on this development.
Background: Indus Waters Treaty and Its Suspension
- The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has governed water-sharing between India and Pakistan since 1960.
- India controls eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), Pakistan controls western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
- The treaty has been in abeyance since India suspended cooperation post-Pahalgam terror attack.
- Normally, water data sharing through Indus Water Commissioners helps both countries issue flood warnings during monsoons.
Current Flood Situation in Pakistan
- Pakistan faces devastating monsoon floods with over 788 deaths and widespread damage.
- Provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh are severely affected.
- Pakistani authorities rely heavily on timely water data for evacuation and safety warnings.
India’s Precautionary Measures Amid Monsoon Rains
- Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana ordered 24/7 monitoring of river water levels.
- Advisories issued to stay away from flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas until August 27.
- Focus on Indus basin rivers including Jhelum, Ravi, and Tawi.
Key Points
- India’s flood alert to Pakistan is a significant goodwill step amid diplomatic tensions.
- The Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended since April 2023 after the Pahalgam attack.
- Pakistan continues to face severe monsoon flooding with thousands affected.
- India intensifies monitoring and warnings in Jammu and Kashmir to mitigate flood risks.
Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, India’s timely flood warning to Pakistan highlights a crucial gesture of goodwill and shared responsibility in managing the region’s volatile river systems. As both nations grapple with the devastating impacts of monsoon floods, such cooperation, even amid conflict, underscores the importance of humanitarian considerations transcending political divides.
