India, Pakistan begin talks on power projects in Kashmir valley

Indus Water Commissioners of India and Pakistan began discussions on Sunday on four power projects that are coming up in Jammu and Kashmir.

The four-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission will discuss objections raised by Pakistan on India’s four hydrothermal projects in the Chenab basin, being constructed under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Three of the projects, namely Ratle (850 MW), lower Kalnai (48 MW), and Miyar Nallah (120 MW) are run-of-the-river projects, while the 1000 MW Pakaldul project involves “very insignificant pondage,” Water Ministry sources told The Hindu.

Islamabad has raised questions about India’s design with regard to spillway, pondage and water intake. These issues were discussed in the last meeting in March between the two sides in Lahore.

The Pakistan delegation, led by Mirza Asif Baig, arrived here on Saturday. India’s Indus Commissioner G. Aranganathan, will lead the Indian delegation.

The discussions are being held under Article VIII (5) of the Treaty which calls for at least one meeting annually in each country alternatively. As per the treaty, either side has to inform the other at least six months in advance, of any new projects to be undertaken. Consequently, India has informed Pakistan about the four projects in the Chenab basin.