Pakistan withdrew objection to Indian Hydel Power Projects

Pakistan on 31May 2010 at the Indus Water Commissioner- level meeting in New Delhi withdrew its objection to two Indian hydel power projects Uri-II and Chutak being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan had objected to the 240 MW Uri-II project on the river Jhelum and 44 MW Chutak plant on the river Suru. Pakistan had objected on the basis that the projects would deprive it of its share of water. During the meeting, India agreed to share any data or warning on flood with Pakistan in future, which India is doing since 1989. Indus Water Commissioner G.Ranganathan headed the Indian delegation while his counter-part Syed Jamaat Ali Shah led the delegation from Pakistan.

Pakistan withdraw its opposition on Baglihar dam

Pakistan on 01 June 2010 during the meeting of Indus Water Commission agreed not to object to Baglihar dam constructed by India on river Chenab.However, the differences remained between the two nations regarding 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo hydel project on the Indus River in leh district. The two sides will carry on discussions on the project at the next round of Indus Water Commission talks in Pakistan.

• Pakistan had also objected to Salal power project in the past but the issue was resolved after ministerial level meeting between the two nations. Salal hydel Power Project started in 1970 on Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir but it took eight years to reach an agreement on Salal dam with Pakistan. Salal project is located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Baglihar and Kishenganga power projects were long delayed because of Pakistan’s objection. Pakistan had even approached the World Bank to stop 450 -megawatt Baglihar power project. When the World Bank approved the project in favour of India, the project could go ahead. Kishenganga project is still under dispute. Baglihar power project is on the Chenab river in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project with the cost of 1 billion dollars started in 1999 and completed on 10 October 2008. Kishenganga project is built on Kishenganga River, which is also known as Neelam River. The project with a capacity of 330 megawatt started in 1992 but the work has stopped due to Pakistan’s objection.
• According to the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, Pakistan enjoys exclusive right over three of the common rivers between the two nations-Indus, Jhelum and Chenab- while India has exclusive right over remaining three rivers Sutlej, Ravi and Beas. Moreover, World Bank mediates between the two nations in any kind of dispute and its decision is binding on the two nations.