Sharing the waters of the Indus
Water enables us to survive. Approximately 75 per cent of our planet is comprised of it. Yet only about three per cent is
fresh and available for general use – such as for drinking and agriculture. Although water is one of the most highly valued
resources in the world, it is also one of the most wasted. It is often a source of conflict between nations.
The Indus River has its source in the Kalas Range (a part of the mighty Himalayas) and winds its way some 3000
kilometres through China, India and Pakistan on its way to the Arabian Sea. Around 26 million people live within its basin,
and 11 million hectares of land depend on its waters for irrigation.
For most of the last century, political conflict and hostilities have been common in South-East Asia, including between
India and Pakistan. Despite this, both nations have agreed to abide by the Indus Basin Water Treaty, brokered by the
World Bank in 1960, to ensure both can benefit from the river’s waters. The treaty divides up the river’s waters between
the two nations.
Western India and Pakistan have arid climates and are thus highly dependent on rivers and ground water. This is
further complicated by their rapidly rising populations. A great many of their people live in impoverished communities that
rely heavily on agriculture. Poor sanitation means that their water supply is often highly polluted.
With so much at stake, on both sides, it is remarkable that India and Pakistan were ever able to broker a deal. The fact
that the treaty is still in place today, some 40 years later, is an example of how conflicting nations can cooperate for the
mutual benefit of their people. Nonetheless, there are tensions, as having continued access to the Indus waters is critical
for survival for many.
Use information in this worksheet and in the sources listed in the References to
complete the following activities.
1.
Why is water such a precious commodity in countries such as India and Pakistan?
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2.
Which nation is more vulnerable in this dispute over the waters of the Indus? Suggest why.
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3.
Explain why there is so much pressure on the land and its resources in the regions around the Indus River.
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© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2005
2005-01-indus.pdf
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4.
Why do you think an international agency such as the World Bank had to be involved in the negotiations between
India and Pakistan on how the waters of the Indus River should be used? What does this suggest about the growing
importance of the water as a resource?
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5.
Suggest a reason why some people in India believe that more water should be diverted from the Indus River for use
by India. What might happen if this were to eventuate?
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6.
Imagine you are a young person living in one of the poorer communities along the Indus River in Pakistan. It has just
been announced that there will be a 25 per cent reduction in the water flow into your country. Describe how you feel
and what impact this might have on your life.
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References:
SOSE Alive Geography 2, pp. 100–1 ▪ www.jaconline.com.au/sosealive/sageography2 and click on the Indus River
water links for this chapter
© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2005
2005-01-indus.pdf
(Page 2 of 2)
CHINA
Jammu & Kashmir
(Disputed Area)
AFGHANISTAN
r
ve
Ri
Ind
us
PAKISTAN
ARABIAN SEA
N
0
100
INDIA
200 km
Country border
Border of disputed area