ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked India to provide it details of new projects being planned on western rivers and has once again raised objections on the design of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Plants, as the two countries began annual meeting of Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in New Dehli.
The meeting is being held after a gap of more than two-and-a-half years. A delegation from Pakistan led by Indus Water Commissioner, Syed Mehar Ali Shah reached New Delhi on Monday for talks with Indian side under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
The treaty warrants the two sides to meet once a year- alternately in India and Pakistan. However, the last year’s meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi was cancelled because of COVID-19 pandemic.
“This will be an important meeting. We will engage with India in accordance with the Indus Water treaty. We are hopeful regarding this meeting,” Meher Ali Shah, Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters told media at New Dehli.
During first day of talks, Islamabad raised objections to new power projects on the Chenab and Jehlum Rivers sources said.
Besides objections on the design of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Plants (HEP), Pakistani side has asked India to supply of information on the new projects by India on Western Rivers and provide details on arrangements for the forthcoming flood season.
Two new Run-of-River Hydroelectric Plants 19 MW Durbuk and 24 MW Nimu-Chilling will also come under discussion during the two day talks.
The PIC is a bilateral commission of officials from India and Pakistan, created to implement and manage goals of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, brokered by the World Bank. It comprises the Indus Commissioners from both sides and discusses technical matters related to the implementation of the treaty.
The last India-Pakistan PIC was held in Lahore, Pakistan in August 2018. The Indian delegation was led by PK Saxena, the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between then Pakistan President Ayub Khan and former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960.
The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries. It also sets out a process for resolving differences and disputes that may arise between the parties.
India and Pakistan have engaged in a long outstanding water dispute over two hydroelectric projects.
Pakistan had raised objection to the building of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants by India, saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. India insists on its right to build these projects and hold that their design is fully in compliance with the guidelines of the treaty.
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