Pakistan seeks visit to Baglihar Dam site
Sunday, June 01, 2008
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan still has reservations about the Baglihar Dam and has asked India to allow inspection of the site to confirm that Delhi has made the changes suggested by a World Bank expert appointed on Pakistan's complaint.
Pakistan Indus Commission head Jamaat Ali Shah stated this after the 100th meeting of the permanent Indus Commission held at the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK), Lahore. The meeting discussed the outstanding water-related issues and modalities for cooperation between Pakistan and India.
Two rounds of talks were held on Saturday between the Indian Indus Commission, headed by Arojun Nath, and Pakistan Indus Commission, led by Jamaat Ali Shah. Flood information sharing between the two countries and the dispute over the construction of Kishan Ganga project by India were the main points of discussion in the six-point agenda that also included the Baglihar Dam.
Both countries signed the annual report of the commission, which is required to be presented to their respective governments on June 1 every year. Modalities for the next year were also discussed.
Matters concerning the Kishan Ganga and the Orri-2 were also taken up during the deliberations. Pakistan asked India to inspect the site of Neelum-Jehlum hydro-electric project in May 2009.
The two sides avoided giving final comment on the first day of the talks that are expected to continue till June 4.
Sources said both sides defended the position adopted by their governments on the contentious issue of the Kishan Ganga project. However, some progress is expected after five days of deliberations. There would be a joint briefing by the heads of the delegations after the conclusion of talks on June 4.
The Indian side was willing to share flood information with Pakistan, which would allow Pakistan to plan evacuation. The Indian delegation, during its stay in Pakistan, would also visit Nankana Sahib and the Wagah border.
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