The Indus water treaty between India and Pakistan has long been in the news and discussions. India has accepted Pakistan’s persistent request to inspect under-construction projects on Chenab basin, according to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda.
“Due to our continued efforts there’s a major breakthrouagh…I’ve directed my team to visit and carry out the inspection of projects from January 27 to February 1,” the minister tweeted on Friday.
Pakistan and India have been into Indus water treaty dispute for ages. Due to our continued efforts there’s a major breakthrough that India has finally agreed to our request for inspection of Indian projects in Chenab basin.
— Faisal Vawda (@FaisalVawdaPTI) January 11, 2019
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, waters flowing in three of Indus tributaries — the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi — have been allotted to India; while the Chenab, Jhelum and Indus waters have been allocated to Pakistan.
He welcomed India’s gesture and expected the “same spirit for resolution of other outstanding issues” between the nuclear arch-rivals. The visiting delegation, led by Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah, will review Lower Kalnai, Pakal Dul hydropower projects.
Major India-Pakistan Conflict on Cards as India Ready To Alter Indus Water Treaty
Talks on the lingering water disputes between the longtime rivals were held in August last year but ended without any major breakthrough. Permanent Indus Commission, formed under the treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 comprises of Indus commissioners for both the countries. The treaty provides for both the commissioners to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan.
