# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Riparian governance" by Aisha Khan, Published in Dawn on June 20th, 2025:* The article emphasizes the critical role of *water* as both a *life-sustaining resource* and a potential *trigger for conflicts* as the world edges toward crossing *planetary boundaries*. *Rapid changes* in the *hydrological cycle* from the *cryosphere* are cascading down to impact *human security*, with declining water availability triggering cascading *actions and reactions* affecting national *security planning*. The tension is particularly acute in *South Asia*, marked by *conflicted history*, *rapidly melting glaciers*, and escalating tensions over *water-sharing arrangements*. The region's key rivers - the *Indus*, *Ganges*, and *Brahmaputra* - all originate in the *Himalayas*, a fragile and geopolitically sensitive mountain range. The *Indus*, *South Asia's largest river*, spans *3,200 kilometers* with an annual flow of *243 cubic kilometers* - twice the *Nile* and three times the combined flows of *Tigris and Euphrates*. Originating in *China* at *5,500 meters elevation*, it receives most water from *snow and glacial melt* in upper catchments in *India*, making it vital for *Pakistan*. The *Ganges* rises from *Gangotri glacier* in *Uttarakhand*, flowing *2,500km* through northern *India*, supporting the world's most *densely populated river basin*. The *Brahmaputra* (*Yarlung Zangbo* in *China*) flows *2,900km* through *Tibet* and *India*, merging with the *Ganges* in *Bangladesh*. The hydrological geography creates a *riparian hierarchy* with *China* as *upper riparian* to *India* and *Bangladesh*, while *India* is *upper riparian* to *Pakistan*. The article identifies *India* as having a unique opportunity as a *midstream, mid-riparian nation* to act as a *stabilizing force* through *equitable management* of riparian relations. In a *multipolar world*, *South Asia's* foremost priority must be conserving the *Third Pole* - the *Himalayan region* sustaining the *Indus*, *Ganges*, and *Yangtze rivers*, all among the *10 most endangered rivers globally*. The *Ganges basin* covers nearly *one-third* of *India's land area*, while the *Indus basin* accounts for *65%* of *Pakistan's land area* (*520,000 square kilometers*). The *Yangtze*, *Asia's longest river*, courses *6,300km* through *China*, draining *1.8 million square kilometers*. The article advocates for *collaborative riparian governance* built on *trust*, *transparency*, and *shared responsibility*, suggesting *China* lead regional efforts on *water conservation* and *glacier preservation* given its advanced capabilities and achievement of *15 of 17 SDGs*. It proposes a regional *Conference of Parties (COP)* focused on the *cryosphere* and *water-related issues*, emphasizing *Asia-centric solutions* and *adaptation* over global *mitigation* efforts. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Water* is becoming a *conflict trigger* as *South Asia* faces *rapid glacial melt* and *declining water availability*. The *Indus*, *Ganges*, and *Brahmaputra* rivers originating from *Himalayas* create a *riparian hierarchy* with *China* as *upper riparian*, *India* as *mid-riparian*, and *Pakistan/Bangladesh* as *lower riparian*. The *Indus* flows *3,200km* with *243 cubic kilometers* annually, while *Ganges basin* covers *one-third* of *India* and *Indus basin* covers *65%* of *Pakistan*. The article calls for *collaborative riparian governance*, *Third Pole conservation*, and a regional *COP* on *cryosphere* led by *China* to prevent *water wars* and ensure *sustainable development*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Establish Regional COP* Create a *South Asian Conference of Parties* focused on *cryosphere* and *water-related issues* for regional cooperation. ## *2. Conserve Third Pole* Prioritize *Himalayan region conservation* to protect *Indus*, *Ganges*, and *Yangtze* rivers from further degradation. ## *3. Build Collaborative Governance* Develop *trust-based riparian governance* with *transparency* and *shared responsibility* among all stakeholders. ## *4. Enhance Data Sharing* Establish *scientific cooperation frameworks* for *hydrological data sharing* and *co-management* of water resources. ## *5. China-Led Conservation* Leverage *China's technological capabilities* to spearhead *glacier preservation* and *water conservation* initiatives. ## *6. Develop Contingency Plans* Create *adaptive management strategies* for *changing hydrological realities* and *climate-induced variations*. ## *7. Promote Equitable Management* Encourage *India* as *mid-riparian* nation to practice *equitable water sharing* with both *upper* and *lower* neighbors. ## *8. Focus on Adaptation* Shift from *global mitigation* to *regional adaptation* strategies tailored to *South Asian challenges*. ## *9. Prevent Water Wars* Implement *diplomatic solutions* and *political wisdom* to resolve *water conflicts* before they escalate. ## *10. Build Regional Resilience* Strengthen *water security* through *resilience-building* measures across *transboundary river basins*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Indus River* spans *3,200 kilometers* with annual flow of *243 cubic kilometers*. - *Indus* flow is *twice* that of *Nile* and *three times* combined *Tigris-Euphrates* flows. - *Indus* originates in *China* at *5,500 meters elevation*. - *Ganges* flows *2,500km* through northern *India*. - *Brahmaputra* flows *2,900km* through *Tibet* and *India*. - *Ganges basin* covers nearly *one-third* of *India's land area*. - *Indus basin* accounts for *65%* of *Pakistan's land area* (*520,000 square kilometers*). - *Yangtze* courses *6,300km* through *China*, draining *1.8 million square kilometers*. - *China* has met *15 of 17 Sustainable Development Goals*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Himalayas* contain *15,000 glaciers* covering *33,000 km²* (*ICIMOD*, 2024). - *Himalayan glaciers* retreating at *15 meters per year* (*Nature*, 2023). - *Indus basin* supports *300 million people* across *Pakistan* and *India* (*World Bank*, 2024). - *Ganges basin* home to *650 million people* (*UN Water*, 2023). - *Third Pole* glaciers could lose *80%* mass by *2100* (*IPCC*, 2023). - *South Asia* faces *40% water deficit* by *2030* (*ADB*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *What is the annual flow of the Indus River?* A. 200 cubic kilometers B. 220 cubic kilometers *C. 243 cubic kilometers* D. 260 cubic kilometers ### 2. *At what elevation does the Indus River originate in China?* A. 5,000 meters B. 5,200 meters *C. 5,500 meters* D. 5,800 meters ### 3. *What percentage of Pakistan's land area does the Indus basin cover?* A. 60% B. 62% *C. 65%* D. 70% ### 4. *How many Sustainable Development Goals has China achieved according to the article?* A. 12 of 17 B. 14 of 17 *C. 15 of 17* D. 16 of 17 ### 5. *What does the article call the Himalayan region that sustains major rivers?* A. Water Tower B. Glacier Hub *C. Third Pole* D. Mountain Reserve # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Riparian* (دریائی) – Related to riverbanks or water rights 2. *Cryosphere* (برفی کرہ) – Frozen water part of Earth's system 3. *Hydrological* (آبی) – Related to water cycle and distribution 4. *Catchments* (آبگیر علاقے) – Areas that collect rainwater 5. *Cascading* (پے در پے) – Occurring in sequence like a waterfall 6. *Geopolitically* (جغرافیائی سیاسی) – Related to geography and politics 7. *Transnational* (بین الاقوامی) – Crossing national boundaries 8. *Multipolar* (کثیر قطبی) – Having multiple centers of power 9. *Watershed* (پانی کی تقسیم) – Ridge dividing water flow areas 10. *Barometers* (پیمائش کار) – Instruments measuring pressure/conditions 11. *Spearhead* (قیادت کرنا) – Lead or initiate an activity 12. *Mitigation* (تخفیف) – Reduction of severity or impact 13. *Adaptation* (موافقت) – Adjustment to new conditions 14. *Resilience* (لچک) – Ability to recover from difficulties 15. *Destabilisation* (عدم استحکام) – Making unstable or unsteady 16. *Irreparably* (ناقابل مرمت) – In a way that cannot be repaired 17. *Contingency* (ہنگامی) – Future possibility or emergency plan 18. *Collaborative* (تعاونی) – Working together cooperatively 19. *Transparency* (شفافیت) – Openness and accountability 20. *Sustainable* (پائیدار) – Able to continue without depleting resources 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) dawn.com Riparian governance Aisha Khan 6–8 minutes AS we edge dangerously close to crossing planetary boundaries, it is crucial to recognise water’s central role — not just as a life-sustaining resource but also as a trigger for conflicts that can escalate into wars. Rapid changes in the hydrological cycle, originating from the cryosphere, are intensifying and cascading down to impact human security in profound ways. Our dependence on water for sustaining ecosystems and human livelihoods means that any steady decline in its availability will set off a cascade of actions and reactions, greatly affecting how nations plan and perceive security. This tension is particularly acute in South Asia, a region marked by a conflicted history, rapidly melting glaciers and escalating tensions over water-sharing arrangements. The key rivers of South Asia — the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra — all originate in the Himalayas, a fragile and geopolitically sensitive mountain range. The Indus, the largest river in South Asia, spans about 3,200 kilometres and boasts an annual flow of roughly 243 cubic kilometres — twice that of the Nile and three times the combined flows of the Tigris and Euphrates. Originating in China at an elevation of 5,500 metres, it receives most of its water from snow and glacial melt in the upper catchments located in India, making it a vital lifeline for Pakistan. The Ganges rises from the Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand, flowing through northern India. It is nourished by rainfall, subsurface flows and snowmelt. At about 2,500km long, it supports the most densely populated river basin in the world. The Brahmaputra, known as the Yarlung Zangbo in China, flows for about 2,900km through Tibet and India, merging with the Ganges in Bang­ladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. South Asia’s foremost priority must be the conservation of the Third Pole — the Himalayan region that sustains the Indus, Ganges and Yangtze rivers. The hydrological geography of the region means each country assumes an upper or lower riparian status. China sits atop this hierarchy as the upper riparian to India and Bangladesh, with India positioned as the upper riparian to Pakistan. While Nepal and Afghanistan are also riparian states, their influence on downstream flows is relatively limited and does not currently pose significant risks to regional stability. Geography and geopolitics are at odds at a time when transnational challenges fuelled by climate change are exacerbating risks. Positioned as a midstream, mid-riparian nation, India has a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to act as a stabilising force. Through equitable management of riparian relations with both its upper and lower neighbours, India can help ease tensions and foster peace in a volatile region. In a multipolar world, South Asia’s foremost priority must be the conservation of the Third Pole — the Himalayan region that sustains the Indus, Ganges and Yangtze rivers, all among the 10 most endangered rivers globally. The Ganges basin covers nearly one-third of India’s land area, while the Indus basin accounts for roughly 65 per cent of Pakistan’s land area (approximately 520,000 square kilometres), spanning all provinces and territories. The Yangtze, Asia’s longest river, courses through China for 6,300km, draining 1.8 million square kilometres and sustaining significant arable land before reaching the East China Sea. These rivers are lifelines for billions of people, and any disruption to their flows — especially from cryosphere melt — would have devastating consequences. While China is not part of South Asia, it remains a strategic regional player whose policies significantly impact neighbourhood politics. Water geopolitics will increasingly shape how countries position themselves politically, militarily and economically to secure water resources. The three critical watershed points — located in the Kunlun, Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges — hold immense geopolitical significance and offer potential entry points for dialogue, enabling political disputes to be resolved and fostering pathways for peaceful water-sharing solutions. Glaciers, often called the best barometers of global warming, also serve as an early warning system for political strategising. Clearly, water wars are not a solution, and ongoing hostility will only exacerbate instability. The resolution of the looming water crisis demands collaborative riparian governance built on trust, transparency and shared responsibility. China, with its advanced technological and economic capabilities, is best positioned to lead reg­i­o­­nal efforts on water conservation and glacier pr­­e­­servation. Having met 15 of the 17 Sustainable De­­velopment Goals, China can spearhead the fi­­rst regional Conference of Parties (COP) focused explicitly on the cryosphere and water-related is­­sues. This platform could develop a shared roadmap aimed at preventing water conflicts and fostering sustainable management of transboundary rivers. While South Asian countries should continue active participation in global climate forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COPs, it is time to pivot towards Asia-centric solutions. A regional COP dedicated to water adaptation would prioritise resilience-building, enhance water security and reduce the risk of destabilisation in a region with three nucl­ear-armed states. The international community’s focus on mitigation remains vital, but adaptation through regional cooperation will address the un­­i­­que and urgent challenges faced by South Asia. Water conflicts are ultimately solvable with political wisdom, diplomacy and a clear understanding of the grave consequences of crossing red lines. Issues left unresolved tend to resurface, often with greater intensity. Relying on a ‘balance of terror’ as the new normal is a high-risk gamble that could destabilise the region irreparably. The solution lies in collective governance, trust-building, and scientific cooperation — frameworks that allow riparian nations to share data, co-manage resources and develop contingency plans for changing hydrological realities. In doing so, South Asia can transform water from a potential source of conflict into a foundation for peace and sustainable development. The writer is chief executive of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change. [email protected] Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2025