Context:
Pakistani delegation visits Jammu’s Kishtwar to inspect Hydropower Projects under Indus Water Treaty
Key Highlights
A five-member Pakistani delegation arrived to inspect two hydropower projects:
- Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project: Located on the Chenab River.
- Pakal Dul Project: Situated on the Marusudar River, a tributary of the Chenab River
- Delegates from India, Pakistan, and neutral experts from the World Bank visited the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) headquarters in Kishtwar.
- This visit falls under the dispute resolution mechanism of the IWT, a 1960 treaty governing water sharing from the Indus River system.
Background and Dispute Resolution:
- In September 2023, a neutral expert from the World Bank, appointed at India’s request, initiated a meeting under the IWT framework.
- Pakistan has previously raised objections to the technical aspects of the Kishenganga and Ratle projects. India has contested these objections and parallel proceedings initiated by Pakistan.
- The Jammu & Kashmir government has appointed 25 liaison officers for the neutral experts and delegates from both countries.
Pakistan Objections to Hydropower Projects
- Pakistan has formally raised objections over the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul and 48 MW Lower Kalnai hydropower projects and has flagged concerns about other projects in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- These include 10 hydroelectric power projects: Durbuk Shyok, Nimu Chilling, Kiru, Tamasha, Kalaroos-II, Baltikulan Small, Kargil Hunderman, Phagla, Kulan Ramwari, and Mandi.
About the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
- IWT is a significant agreement between India and Pakistan concerning the sharing of water resources from the Indus River system.
- It was Negotiated by the World Bank in 1960, it aimed to address water disputes arising from the 1947 partition of India.
- Water Sharing: The treaty allocates control of the Indus River system’s water resources.
- India: Full rights over the three eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Pakistan: Control over the three western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- Limited Use for India: India has limited rights to use the western rivers for specific purposes like domestic use, irrigation, and power generation that doesn’t significantly reduce water flow.
- Dispute Resolution: A Permanent Indus Commission was established to manage any disputes arising from water sharing and ensure cooperation between the two countries.