JKSSB Written 2018
Answer & Explanation
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Correct Answer:
Option C —
water sharing
The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is a bilateral body with representatives from both India and Pakistan. It was established to implement and manage the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which was signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank.The Purpose of the Commission
The primary goal of the Commission is to ensure that the water of the Indus River system is shared according to the agreed-upon rules. Under the treaty:
Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi): Allocated to India for unrestricted use.
Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan, though India is allowed specific "non-consumptive" uses such as power generation, navigation, and agriculture.
Key Functions of the PIC
The Commission acts as the first line of defense in preventing conflict between the two nations regarding water. Its duties include:
Data Exchange: Sharing information on the flow of rivers and the amount of water being used.
Inspection: Carrying out periodic site visits to see the dams and projects being built on both sides.
Conflict Resolution: Meeting at least once a year (alternating between India and Pakistan) to resolve any technical "questions" or "differences" regarding project designs.
Why the other options are incorrect:
Water Logging (A): While an environmental issue, it is a domestic agricultural management problem, not a bilateral treaty issue.
Water Cleaning (B): Pollution control is generally handled by the respective national environmental agencies of each country.
Water Distributing (D): "Distribution" usually refers to the internal piping and canal systems within a country. "Sharing" is the legal term for how much water crosses the border from one nation to the other.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.