India wants to bypass WB in water talks

Khishanganga, Ratle projects

LAHORE: India insists on discussing Pakistan’s objection to Khishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects at the platform of Permanent Indus Waters Commission, bypassing ongoing World Bank-driven dispute resolution mechanism, it is learnt here on Friday.

“I may like to renew my request to discuss your objections on design of Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric projects to make an attempt for an amicable solution of the issues connected with the design of these projects,” stated PK Saxena, Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters while communicating agenda of the upcoming meeting in a letter addressed to his Pakistani counterpart, Mirza Asif Baig, confirming participation of his delegation in the 113th meeting of PIWC scheduled for March 20-21 in Islamabad.

Hence, Saxena added, "I propose discussion on the Pakistan’s objections on Kishenganga, Ratle, Miyar, Lower Kalnai and Pakal Dul Hydroelectric projects in the forthcoming meeting." However, Pakistan while corresponding to India did not include discussion on Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric projects in the agenda and wanted to pursue its case lodged with the World Bank over constitution of Court of Arbitration. Instead, Pakistan stressed holding concluding discussion on the Pakistan’s objections on Miyar, Lower Kalnai and Pakal Dul Hydroelectrict plants in the 113th meeting of PIWC.

Both sides nevertheless agreed on discussing arrangements regarding communication of advance information of flood flows during the flood season 2017. Pakistan also wants to discuss programme of tours of inspection, including programme for visit of India Commissioner for Indus Waters and his two advisers or assistants to Pakistan.

Ten-member delegation each of both Pakistan and India, headed by Mirza Asif Baig and PK Saxena respectively, will participate in the meeting.  The coming meeting of the Commission was overdue and could not be held last year. In his letter to Indian counterpart, Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Waters had said: "As you know, Pakistan’s commissioner wrote to his Indian counterpart, it is mandatory for the Commission to meet at least once a year and also when requested by either Commissioner under the provisions of Indus Waters Treaty. The last meeting of the Commission was held in New Dehli from 30th to 31st May, 2015. This too was a short meeting and dealt with only finalization of the Annual Report and record of 111th meeting of the Commission. In any case, if the Commission does not hold a meeting before 31st March, 2017, it shall be violating the mandatory provisions of the Treaty and I am sure you do not want it to be so."