23:T42d,

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 has been seen as an example of a successful transboundary water-sharing treaty between two hostile countries. The IWT withstood many tests, including wars (1965, 1971 and 1999), military tensions and regular verbal spats between India and Pakistan, whose leaders faced tough questions on engaging in the IWT negotiations and signing the treaty. However, recent changes in bilateral relations and especially the accelerating impact of climate change have meant that the IWT is feeling further heat. The article re-examines details of the political history of the water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan to show how and why, after drawn-out negotiations, India and Pakistan finally agreed to sign the World Bank-mediated IWT in 1960. The article then discusses specifically that because a major share of the common waters passes through the conflict-sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir, this has continued to contribute to fresh manifestations of water-related disputes and cooperation between India and Pakistan.

24:T44a,

Radon concentrations were measured in kucha, semi-kucha and pucka houses located on the sedimentary rocks of Early Pleistocene-Pliocene Soan Formation, Pleistocene Mirpur conglomerate and recent deposits. The radon concentration was measured using CN 85 nuclear tracks etch detectors in box type dosimeters installed in the bedrooms and kitchens of the houses. It was found to vary from 14 ± 7 Bqm^-3 to 258 ± 28 Bqm^-3 with an average of 105 ± 17 Bqm^-3. The average radon concentration in the kucha, semi-kucha and pucka houses was 78 ± 15 Bqm^-3, 108 ± 18 Bqm^-3 and 108± 18 Bqm^-3 respectively. The increase in radon concentration from kucha to pucka houses was attributed to the type of house, differing humidity related to the Mangla Dam, temperature, bed rock geology, structures (joints, fractures and faults), aggregates and uranium-bearing sand. This study shows that the average radon level is within the accepted safe health limit (200 Bqm^-3) for the inhabitants of New Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

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Indus Waters Treaty Negotiations: Geopolitics,Disputes and Cooperation

Radon Levels in Dwellings of New Mirpur Azad Kashmir,Sub-Himalayas,Pakistan