(a) whether the Government proposes a pollution free transport system between the stretch of Jhelum from Kharnabal in South Kashmir to Khadinyar in the North;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to utilize the navigation potential of Jhelum and other rivers in the State.
MINISTER OF SHIPPIING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) to (c): As per information provided by the Government of J&K the proposed pollution
free transport system between Kharnabal and Khadinyar on river Jhelum mainly comprises of
navigational lock and gated structure for augmenting draft in the river during October to
February (Winter months) when required draft (1.22 metres) for navigation is not available.
Construction (on the navigation lock) started in 1984. Pakistan objected to the project
alleging that storage is prohibited in river Jhelum. This resulted in suspension of work
since 1987 when Government of India went for Government level dialogue instead of Commissioner
level talks. Issue continues to be unresolved despite several rounds of Secretary level
talks held since 1998 as part of composite dialogue. Periodic discussions are being held
by Ministry of Water Resources (Indus Wing) with the State Government officials in this
regard. So far as other rivers in the State, rivers flowing in Jammu province have a steep
gradiare not suitable for navigation. In Kashmir valley, for practical purposes, the
development of water transport is confined to certain stretches of river Jhelum and various
lakes.