Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Kishanganga Project Design on Jhelum River
During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Khalid Magsi, the Secretary of the Water Resources ministry reported that Pakistan has raised objections to the design of India’s Kishanganga hydroelectric power plant. The secretary mentioned that India claims the design is correct, and there are currently two disputes between the countries under the Indus Basin Agreement.
The secretary explained that India has filed a case against Pakistan, while Pakistan argues it is a matter of judicial jurisdiction. The case is being heard in The Hague, with India becoming a party to the proceedings.
The Kishanganga hydroelectric plant, located on the Kishanganga River (known as the Neelum River in Pakistan), is near the Line of Control (LOC). Pakistan contends that the project violates the agreement by altering the river’s course and reducing water levels.
Additionally, issues were identified in the design of the Karachi water provision project, K-4, resulting in a financial loss of Rs16 to Rs20 billion for the federal government. The project’s design has since been revised. MNA Zartaj Gul called for a policy statement on the Indus Basin Agreement.
