About IndusPortal

Background The Indus River Basin is shared by four countries: Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan, with the largest portions of the basin lying in Pakistan (52%) and India (33%). The main river originates at Lake Ngangla Rinco on the Tibetan Plateau in the People’s Republic of China and includes the flow of the tributaries Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Swat, Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza, Shigar, Shyok, Indus, Shingo, Astor, Jhelum, Chenab and Kabul draining parts of Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan. The Indus River is the primary source of water for Pakistan and supports the world’s largest irrigation system. Approximate water availability is of 1,329 m3 per head. The lower part of the Basin particularly, is now one of the most water-stressed areas in the world and the situation is going to further deteriorate in future to reach permanent water scarcity. Extreme events such as intense rainfall and prolonged droughts are expected. One of the key areas where climate change impact is suggested to be important is the cryosphere and dependent water supply. In general, an increase in temperature is expected and in most areas and particularly in the northern parts of the basin