Indus River Basin Flashcards
What is the Indus river basin?
The Indus River, originating high in the Tibetan Plateau, courses roughly from north to south through the length of Pakistan before culminating in the Arabian Sea. The Indus Basin, stretching over one million square kilometres, encompasses parts of India, China, and Afghanistan.
The Indus River is a significant water resource for the two Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs), India and Pakistan
What does the Basin provide?
Large parts of Pakistan and the regions covered by the Indus Basin have an arid or semi-arid climate.
The IBIS allowed growing crops on a large scale, effectively reducing dependence on food imports.
The dams built as part of the IBIS are used for hydropower generation. This provides a vital renewable energy source, helping to meet the growing population’s and industries’ energy needs.
The Indus River has a history of destructive floods. With its dams and reservoirs, the IBIS helps mitigate the impact of such floods by regulating water flow.
What are the disadvantages of the Basin?
Waterlogging and Salinity: Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging and salinity problems in the soil, making it less fertile and productive. This is a significant issue in the Indus Basin.
Evaporation: High temperatures in the summer result in significant water loss through evaporation.
Environmental Impact: Dams disrupt the natural flow of rivers, impacting aquatic ecosystems and sometimes causing biodiversity loss.
Transboundary Disputes: Despite the existence of the Indus Water Treaty, water sharing between India and Pakistan often leads to disputes due to the strategic importance of water resources.
