Pakistan has sought more details and data on at least ten Indian small hydro projects in western rivers while New Delhi sought assurance on the free flow of drain into the Sutlej river as officials of the two countries concluded the 117th meet of the Permanent Commission Waters.  In the meeting, which was held in Pakistan between 1-3 March, the two sides held technical discussions regarding ongoing projects, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Lower Kalnai, under the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty 1960.  

“The Indian side underscored that all its projects are fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty and provided technical details in support of its position,” India’s External Affairs Ministry (MEA) said in a statement, adding that all Indian projects on western rivers are fully compliant with the Indus Water Treaty. 

Islamabad has reportedly raised 15 additional objections related to 10 small India hydropower projects and sought additional data, reported Dawn. India has agreed to provide details in the next meeting, scheduled to take place in India. 

Significantly, India said that Pakistan gave assurance to ensure free flow of the Fazlika drain into the Sutlej river. The blockade on the drain on the Pakistan side had earlier resulted in the accumulation of large untreated water on the Indian side.

“The meeting was held in a cordial manner. Both Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to interact more frequently in an attempt to resolve issues through bilateral discussions under the Treaty,” read the statement released by the MEA.

Significantly, despite the increasingly strained ties between the two nations, the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 remains the only agreement the two countries continue to uphold successfully. 

Under the treaty, brokered by the World Bank, all water of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi), amounting to around 33-million-acre feet (MAF) annually, is allocated to India for unrestricted use and water of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), amounting to around 135 MAF annually, largely to Pakistan.  

Officials of the two countries meet at least once a year to discuss the issues related to the Indus rivers. The treaty gives India the right to build hydropower projects on western rivers subject to specific design and criteria. And Pakistan has been given the right to raise objections regarding these projects. 

 (SAM)