The Hindu : Indus talks: no agreement on Baglihar project

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 31, 2003

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Indus talks: no agreement on Baglihar project

By Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI MAY 30. India has turned down Pakistan's demand for a neutral expert to inspect the 450 MW Baglihar hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue could be resolved amicably.

India also put on hold Pakistan's request to allow its technical team to visit the sites of the Bagilhar and Kishanganga power projects in the State and said the request could be considered when the ground realities were more conducive.

The issue was raised during the three-day 89th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission which concluded here today, with both sides agreeing "on the possibility of two general tours of inspection, one each in either country during 2003-04, in keeping with the provisions of the treaty". The Commission finalised and signed the report of the work for the period ending March 31.

Despite the differences on Baglihar and Kishanganga, the Pakistan Indus Commissioner, Jamait Ali Shah, said he was "very satisfied with this meeting" and India's Commissioner (Indus), A.D. Bhardwaj, described the meeting as "cordial and friendly".

Mr. Bhardwaj said the Baglihar and Kishanganga projects were discussed and India had reiterated that the issue could be resolved amicably.

Asked about Pakistan's demand for bringing in neutral experts to look at what they allege were violations of the treaty, Mr. Shah said there were provisions in the treaty (for seeking neutral experts) and "whatever arrangements Pakistan was making were as per the provisions of the treaty". On India's response to the request, he said: "They've said they'd respond in due course of time".

Pakistan alleges violation of treaty in the design of the Baglihar project on Chenab, whereas India denies it and says the technical design of the run-of-the-river is well within the provisions of the treaty.

As a goodwill gesture, India has de-linked the dues Pakistan owes to India for the flood warning arrangements it makes between June and October. India will continue to make the arrangements despite Pakistan owing it about Rs. 30 lakhs for providing the facility.

The next meeting of the Commission would be held in May 2004. As per the provisions of the treaty, the Commission must meet once a year and finalise its annual report which is then submitted to the respective State Governments.

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