Question : INDUS WATER TREATY

(a) whether a meeting to discuss the 1960 Indus Water Treaty was recently held in New Delhi between the representatives of India and Pakistan;

(b) if so, the outcome of the discussions held between the two countries;

(c) whether any discussion was also held with regard to the construction of 450 MW Baghlihar Hydro Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir;

(d) if so, whether the Government have sought financial assistance from the World Bank for the implementation of the project;

(e) if so, whether Pakistan have proposed the involvement of World Bank in resolving the dispute over the construction of this project; and

(f) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI ARJUN CHARAN SETHI)

(a) to (f) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 107 FOR ANSWER ON 28.7.2003 REGARDING INDUS WATER TREATY.

(a) The 89th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) was held at New Delhi from 28th to 30th May, 2003 within the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.

(b) & (c) Annual report of the work of the Commission for the year ended on 31st March 2003, tentative programme of tours during 2003-04 and arrangements by India for communication of flood flows data to Pakistan during monsoon of 2003 were finalized. Discussions were also held on a few other items including Baglihar and Kishenganga projects.

(d) No, Sir.

(e) Pakistan has requested for the appointment of a Neutral Expert to resolve its questions/objections over the Baglihar Project. The Indus Waters Treaty also provides for appointment of a neutral expert by the World Bank, if there is no agreement between the two Governments.

(f) In keeping with the spirit of goodwill and cooperation, as envisaged in the Indus Waters Treaty, India has been urging Pakistan for an amicable settlement through technical discussions between the two countries on Pakistan’s objections regarding Baglihar Hydroelectric Project. During the recently held 89th meeting of the PIC, India once again expressed its willingness to hold such discussions in order to resolve the matter amicably