Indus Water Treaty Inspections Continue Post Article 370 Abrogation

A delegation from Pakistan has arrived in Jammu to participate in the inspection of two hydroelectric power projects as part of the Indus Water Treaty proceedings. This visit marks the first since the revocation of Articles 370 and 35 A in 2019, altering the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistani delegation, accompanied by neutral experts, is set to examine the Ratle and Kishenganga hydroelectric power projects located in the Chenab Valley. The inspections follow a series of earlier assessments conducted on several similar projects in the region.

Notably, the inspection has drawn attention to the NHPC headquarters in Kishtwar, where the officials will focus on the Ratle project generating 850 MW and the Pakal Dul project producing 1,000 MW on the Marusudar river, a tributary of the Chenab river.

The legal aspects of the projects have been under scrutiny, with India represented by senior advocate Harish Salve to present arguments related to the Kishenganga and Ratle ventures. These projects have been the subject of ongoing disputes between the two nations.

The recent developments come amidst Pakistan’s objections to India’s activities on the rivers allocated under the Indus Water Treaty, including conflicts over various specific projects such as Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai, Durbuk Shyok, Nimu Chilling, and others in the Ladakh region.

As per the 1960 treaty, India has authority over the eastern rivers of Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while Pakistan controls the western rivers of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The inspections aim to resolve technical disagreements and ensure compliance with the treaty’s regulations.