Pak withdraws objection to two J&K power projects

In a significant development, Pakistan withdrew its objection to construction of Uri-II and Chutak hydel power projects in Jammu and Kashmir 

At the Indus Water Commissioner-level talks in New Delhi  the Pakistani side said it had no objection to the designs of the two power projects after the Indian side provided details of these, official sources told PTI.

Pakistan had earlier raised objections over the 240 MW Uri-II project being constructed on Jhelum river in Kashmir Valley and the 44 MW Chutak plant being built on Suru, a tributary of Indus river in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh province.

Pakistan had claimed that the projects would deprive it of its share of water. The breakthrough came on the first day of three-day Indus Water Commission talks.This is for the first time that Pakistan has accepted the designs of power projects at the level of Permanent Indus Commission, sources said.

Earlier, it took a ministerial meeting to make Pakistan agree to Salal power project. Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan has exclusive right over three of the common rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- while India  has exclusive right over Sutlej, Ravi and Beas.

The two projects are in an advance stage and are likely to be completed by the end of this year.

Earlier, Baglihar and Kishenganga power projects had been delayed for long because of Pakistani objections.On the 450-MW Baglihar project, Pakistan had even moved the World Bank, which has the role of neutral arbitrator under the Indus Water Treaty in the disputes between the two countries arising.The project could go ahead only after the World Bank gave its clearance with suggestions for some minor changes in design of the dam.Kishenganga project is still under dispute, with Pakistan refusing to give up its objections.

During Monday's talks, India agreed to continue providing Pakistan with advance flood warning for the coming Monsoon season.India has been providing flood data to Islamabad since 1989 as a goodwill gesture. The flood data enables Pakistan to prepare and reduce damages in case of flash floods.