Water or Wealth? The untold cost of the Indus Waters Treaty
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 27, 2025: Water — the lifeline of civilizations — is often taken for granted. But when its true value is measured in economic terms, the numbers are nothing short of staggering.
Did you know?
Just 1 MAF (Million Acre-Feet) of water has the power to grow:
- 1.23 million tonnes of wheat, valued at approximately ₹24,660 crore, or
- 4.93 lakh tonnes of rice, worth around ₹12,330 crore.
Now, consider this: under the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, India grants Pakistan access to 135 MAF of water every year — without question.
Translating that into potential agricultural value:
- That’s water worth an astounding ₹332.91 lakh crore if used for wheat cultivation.
- Or ₹166.45 lakh crore if diverted to rice production.
Let that sink in
This massive volume of water could have:
- Irrigated millions of acres of farmland
- Boosted rural incomes substantially
- Strengthened India’s food security
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered with World Bank assistance, gave Pakistan exclusive rights over three major rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — while India retained control over the eastern rivers.
At the time, it was hailed as a landmark in international water-sharing diplomacy. However, times have changed.
With growing water scarcity, intensifying agricultural needs, and strained diplomatic ties, many experts are now questioning whether this decades-old agreement still serves India’s best interests.
Water is no longer just a natural resource. It is national wealth.
As India faces the twin challenges of climate change and food security, the question grows louder: Is it time to rethink the Indus Waters Treaty?