Legal and Political Dimensions of Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project Issue

Abstract

Water is a one of the most important natural resource. Water has become a source of conflict between India and Pakistan due to the constant growth of population, hyper-urbanization, poor water management and climatic changes in the region. India has started the construction of several water storage and hydro power projects on Western Rivers after Indus Waters Treaty 1960. This mixed method exploratory research approach aims to explore hydro politics between Pakistan and India over the construction of Kishanganga hydroelectric project by India on Jhelum River and judgment of Intercontinental Court of Arbitration on this issue. Pakistan claimed this project a violation of the treaty as it failed to follow the criteria specified in Treaty. This study finds that Kishanganga hydroelectric project has challenged the reliability of the Indus Waters Treaty and water security of Pakistan. This study recommends that solution of this issue is must for peace and stability in the region.