India tells Pakistan: No design flaw in Kashmir Hydro projects

1000MW-Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project is proposed on the Marusudar river in the Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir. Marusudar river is a tributary of the Chenab river. The Lower Kalnai project is proposed in Kishtwar and Doda districts.

India Pakistan Kashmir Hydro projects design Indus Water Treaty-VPN

Anish Kumar

New Delhi, First Published Mar 25, 2021, 8:33 AM IST | Last Updated Mar 25, 2021, 8:33 AM IST

Justifying its position on Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydro projects in Jammu & Kashmir after Pakistan raised objections on their designs, India has provided technical data to Pakistani delegates to support its position said it is fully compliant under the Indus Water Treaty.

The Permanent Indus Commission comprising Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan held their two-day annual meeting on March 23-24 in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Pakistan side requested India for sharing information on the design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned to be developed in Ladakh.

"Indian side assured that the information would be supplied as and when required to be supplied under the provisions of the Treaty," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Amid the strain ties and Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides could not meet for two years. The last meeting was held in Lahore in 2018.

"The meeting was held in a cordial manner. Both the Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to interact more frequently in an attempt to resolve the issues by bilateral discussions under the Treaty," the ministry said.

India and Pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, and under its provisions, the two sides are required to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting in Pakistan on mutually convenient dates.

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