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| Expert to give verdict on Baglihar |
| On the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir, lies an issue that is the most complex between India and Pakistan, apart from Kashmir.
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| INDIA
, 12-February-2007
1:57:38 AM |
| A World Bank appointed neutral expert in Swizerland is expected to give his final verdict on the Baglihar dam issue on Monday.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan accuses India of violating a crucial treaty by building the dam on the Chenab river which India denies.
On the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir, lies an issue that is the most complex between India and Pakistan, apart from Kashmir.
The 450 megawatt power project at the Baglihar dam started in the early nineties. Once built it will provide electricity to a power starved state.
But Pakistan opposes the height of the dam. Islamabad is worried that India could flood Pakistan's fields or hold back water at any time.
The dispute is rooted in the Indus water treaty and Pakistan accuses India of violating it.
Complex issue
Signed in 1960, the treaty to which the World Bank is the third party said the waters of the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej were to be used by India.
But J&K's three main rivers the Indus, Jhelum and the Chenab were for the other side since their natural flow was into Pakistan.
However, J&K could not construct any dam or project on these rivers without Pakistan's prior permission and Islamabad says India did not take permission for the Baglihar construction.
The J&K assembly has already voted unanimously to scarp the treaty altogether. All eyes are now on the World Bank appointed neutral expert Raymond Lafitte and what will be his final and binding verdict.
He was appointed two years ago after several rounds of talks between India and Pakistan failed. His draft report went largely in India's favour, though not entirely.
"We already are in receipt of the draft determination that was given to us a couple of months back and as per the draft determination we have not violated the Indus water treaty, however they have made some recommendations for example we have to bring down the crest of the dam by about 1.5 meters," said Rinzin Jora, Power Minister, J & K.
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