New Delhi: Amid the ongoing bitter spat between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, the two countries are sparring over water and hydro-electric projects as well.
India on Saturday said it hoped that Pakistan will avail of provisions of the bilateral Indus Water Treaty to amicably resolve issues of mutual concern pertaining to hydro-electric projects and not violate it by rushing to a third forum.
Noting that a Pakistani team led by the Water and Power Secretary visited India for talks on Thursday and Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokes-person Vikas Swarup said, “The visit of a team from Pakistan led by Water and Power Secretary of Pakistan to New Delhi on July 14-15, 2016 was in response to India pointing out to Pakistan that the latter was violating provisions of the Indus Water Treaty in rushing to a third forum without attempting to avail Treaty provisions for amicably resolving matters of mutual concern pertaining to two hydro-electric projects: Kishenganga (330 MW on Jhelum’s tributary) and Ratle (850 MW on Chenab).”
“During the talks, both sides stated their views at the government level. We hope that the Pakistan side will see reason in our suggestions on the way forward,” he said.
The Indo-Pak meeting came amid reports that Pakistan has decided to move the Court of Arbitration against India for alleged breaches of IWT 1960 by erecting Kishanganga and Ratle Hydropower Projects with objectionable designs. According to reports, Pakistan fears that if completed, the projects will inflict damage to the water flow to the lower riparian country.
The Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan pertains to eastern rivers — the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej and western rivers — the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.
