Delegation arrived as a part of Neutral Expert proceedings to inspect Kishenganga (330MW) and Ratle (850 MW) HEP under IWT.
- Kishenganga HEP: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project which diverts water from Kishenganga River to a power plant in Jhelum River basin in J&K.
- Ratle HEP: Situated on Chenab River in Kishtwar district, J&K.
About IWT
- Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank being a signatory of it.
- Treaty allocates Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
- India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under IWT, 1960.
- Disagreement between both countries is related to design features of Kishenganga and Ratle HEPs.
- World Bank is not financing either project.
- It provides 3 Step Dispute Resolution Mechanism viz.
- Step 1: Permanent Indus Commission is required to meet at least once every year to resolve questions about implementation of treaty.
- Step 2: Neutral Expert to deal with unresolved differences on water-sharing.
- Step 3: Court of Arbitration, a Seven-member arbitral tribunal to deal with the disputes.
Issues with IWT
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