Big win against Pakistan as World Bank says India allowed to construct hydroelectric power plants un

[StraightShooter]

Big win against Pakistan as World Bank says India allowed to construct hydroelectric power plants under Indus Waters Treaty
In a big win for the country at the World Bank, the world body has allowed India to construct hydroelectric power plants on the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers.

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 - 15:27

Washington: In a big win for the country at the World Bank, the world body has allowed India to construct hydroelectric power plants on the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers.

The go-ahead from the World Bank came days after the conclusion of secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues over the Indus Waters Treaty.

The talks between the two side were conducted in a peaceful environment and concluded on a good note.

"Both India and Pakistan have agreed to continue discussions over the Indus Waters Treaty and reconvene in September in Washington, DC," the World Bank said in a brief statement.

According to ANI, India is permitted to construct the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants on Jhelum and the Chenab rivers as specified in the Indus Waters Treaty.

However, Pakistan has opposed whether the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty.

"The plants are on respectively a tributary of the Jhelum and the Chenab Rivers. The treaty designates these two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use. Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in Annexures to the treaty," the World Bank stated in a factsheet.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

The World Bank stated in its factsheet that Pakistan has asked it to facilitate the setting up of a Court of Arbitration to look into its concerns about the designs of the two hydroelectric power projects. However, India has asked for the appointment of a Neutral Expert for the same purpose.

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim had announced in December 2016 that the World Bank would pause before taking further steps in each of the two processes requested by the parties.

Since December 2016, the World Bank has worked towards an amicable resolution of the matter and to safeguard the Treaty.

With ANI inputs

http://zeenews.india.com/india/big-...plants-under-indus-waters-treaty-2029435.html

 

[StraightShooter]

Indus Water Treaty no bar on building hydro projects: World Bank
news

02 August 2017

The 1960 Indus Water Treaty does not bar India from constructing hydroelectric power projects on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank says in its fact sheet on the treaty.

The World Bank's comments come as officials from India Pakistan concluded secretary-level talks over the IWT on Monday.

Pakistan is opposed to India's construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the IWT designates the two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use, World Bank noted that the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants should not contravene the treaty.

"Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet.

The World Bank, however, welcomed bilateral talks between India and Pakistan over their difference on issue of India developing two power projects on River Indus and its tributary. On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg.

After the first round on talks on technical issued ended, the two sides have decided to reconvene talks on their Indus Water treaty in September in Washington.

World Bank, which is a signatory to the treaty, said the talks were held in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation and that the two sides have agreed to meet again in September in Washington.

''The secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues on the Indus Waters Treaty took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank stated in news brief.

''The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Bilateral talks on the Indus Water Treaty were last held in March 2015 when the countries take up issues like India's Kishanganga and Ratle power projects. Engagements between the two countries were halted by terror strikes by Pakistan-based militants and frequent border skirmishes.

On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg.The two-day talks of Indus water commissioners of the two countries marked the first formal engagement between the two countries since relationship between them nosedived in September last year after an attack on an Indian military base in Kashmir.

India under the 1960 IWT is bound to hold such meetings with Pakistan. But the current meeting of the Indus water commissioners is significant as it comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year threatened to revoke the water accord with Pakistan.

Commenting on the talks, Pakistan's minister for water and power Khawaja Asif welcomed the Indian decision to send its commission to Pakistan but said, ''We will defend our rights with full zeal and vigour''. ''It is a happy augury that of late India has come back to the negotiating table at the commission level to re-launch the process of peaceful talks. I am happy to announce that the process of bilateral talks has been started on the IWT following efforts by Pakistan,'' the minister said.

Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns.

India, on the other hand, had sought the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were ''technical'' ones.

Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes - for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects.

The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were the initiative of former World Bank President Eugene Black.

Seen as one of the most successful international treaties, it has survived frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for more than half a century. Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often."

The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission, which has a commissioner from each country. The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise: ''questions'' are handled by the Commission; ''differences'' are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and ''disputes'' are to be referred to a seven-member arbitral tribunal called the ''Court of Arbitration.'' The World Bank's role in relation to ''differences'' and ''disputes'' is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties.

http://www.domain-b.com/economy/infrastructure/20170802_projects.html

 

[Tangent123]

Indus Water Treaty no bar on building hydro projects: World Bank
news

02 August 2017

The 1960 Indus Water Treaty does not bar India from constructing hydroelectric power projects on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions, the World Bank says in its fact sheet on the treaty.

The World Bank's comments come as officials from India Pakistan concluded secretary-level talks over the IWT on Monday.

Pakistan is opposed to India's construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the IWT designates the two rivers as well as the Indus as the "Western Rivers" to which Pakistan has unrestricted use, World Bank noted that the technical design features of the two hydroelectric plants should not contravene the treaty.

"Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexures to the treaty," the Bank said in its fact sheet.

The World Bank, however, welcomed bilateral talks between India and Pakistan over their difference on issue of India developing two power projects on River Indus and its tributary. On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg.

After the first round on talks on technical issued ended, the two sides have decided to reconvene talks on their Indus Water treaty in September in Washington.

World Bank, which is a signatory to the treaty, said the talks were held in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation and that the two sides have agreed to meet again in September in Washington.

''The secretary-level discussions between India and Pakistan on the technical issues on the Indus Waters Treaty took place this week in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation. The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank stated in news brief.

''The parties have agreed to continue discussions and reconvene in September in Washington, DC,'' the World Bank said in a brief statement issued at the conclusion of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Bilateral talks on the Indus Water Treaty were last held in March 2015 when the countries take up issues like India's Kishanganga and Ratle power projects. Engagements between the two countries were halted by terror strikes by Pakistan-based militants and frequent border skirmishes.

On Monday India's Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena revived the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mirza Asif Beg.The two-day talks of Indus water commissioners of the two countries marked the first formal engagement between the two countries since relationship between them nosedived in September last year after an attack on an Indian military base in Kashmir.

India under the 1960 IWT is bound to hold such meetings with Pakistan. But the current meeting of the Indus water commissioners is significant as it comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year threatened to revoke the water accord with Pakistan.

Commenting on the talks, Pakistan's minister for water and power Khawaja Asif welcomed the Indian decision to send its commission to Pakistan but said, ''We will defend our rights with full zeal and vigour''. ''It is a happy augury that of late India has come back to the negotiating table at the commission level to re-launch the process of peaceful talks. I am happy to announce that the process of bilateral talks has been started on the IWT following efforts by Pakistan,'' the minister said.

Pakistan had approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of two hydroelectricity projects located in Jammu and Kashmir. It had demanded that the World Bank, which is the mediator between the two countries under the 57-year-old water distribution pact, set up a court of arbitration to look into its concerns.

India, on the other hand, had sought the appointment of a neutral expert to look into the issues, contending the concerns Pakistan raised were ''technical'' ones.

Following this, the international lender had in November 2016 initiated two simultaneous processes - for appointing neutral expert and establishment of court of arbitration to look into technical differences between the two countries in connection with the projects.

The simultaneous processes, however, were halted after India objected to it. After that, representatives of the World Bank held talks with India and Pakistan to find a way out separately.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were the initiative of former World Bank President Eugene Black.

Seen as one of the most successful international treaties, it has survived frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for more than half a century. Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often."

The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission, which has a commissioner from each country. The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise: ''questions'' are handled by the Commission; ''differences'' are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and ''disputes'' are to be referred to a seven-member arbitral tribunal called the ''Court of Arbitration.'' The World Bank's role in relation to ''differences'' and ''disputes'' is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties.

http://www.domain-b.com/economy/infrastructure/20170802_projects.html

....pakistani side after the vetdict...
.."Bade be-aabroo ho kar nikle tere kooche se.."

I think pakistan knew about this, as the litigation was filed for the sake of it.
May be for internal reasons.

 

[graphican]

That as a matter of fact is win of Pakistan. India was always allowed to crate electricity out of water, but they could not create "GATED DAMS" or store/block Pakistan's water. Now WB says India cannot breach the treaty and cannot create storage dams on Pakistan's rightful water.

But Indian's disgraced government the $hit Media will feed Indians every possible $hit and salute to Indians for eating it so happily - and living on it without complaining!

 

[StraightShooter]

Pakistan press has no mention on the result of the talks

Pakistan, India conclude water talks in Washington
Anwar IqbalUpdated August 02, 2017


WASHINGTON: Pakistan and India concluded the much-delayed water talks in the US capital on Tuesday, raising hopes that they would avoid further tensions over an issue that has far-reaching consequences for both.

Secretary Water and Power Yousaf Naseem Khokhar led the Pakistani delegation, which included technical experts from his ministry.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary also attended the two-day talks held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington.

Secretary Ministry of Water Resources Dr Amarjit Singh headed the Indian delegation, which also included representatives of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The Washington meeting was part of the World Bank’s efforts to resolve a dispute over Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectricity projects that India is building in the occupied Kashmir. Pakistan opposes the two projects, saying that the plans violate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that distributes waters of the river Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.

The negotiations are part of World Bank’s efforts to resolve a dispute between the two countries over India’s hydroelectricity projects in Kashmir

The two countries last held talks over the two projects in March this year during the meeting of Permanent Indus Commission in Pakistan.

The last round of the World Bank-supervised talks was held in November 2016, and the World Bank intended to hold another round in April this year but could not do so, as India refused to accept its arbitration.

Since 2013, India had been refusing to hold direct talks with Pakistan and also rejected Islamabad’s efforts to restart the dialogue.

Earlier this week, an Indian official in New Delhi told journalists that the Indian position had not changed and “talks under the Indus Water Treaty do not amount to bilateral talks”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said last year that India would not share the Indus water with Pakistan until Islamabad prevented militants from launching attacks inside India.

Pakistan rejected the Indian charge, saying that it never allowed any group to carry out cross-border attacks and the uprising in Kashmir was indigenous and independent.

Pakistan approached the World Bank last year, raising concerns over the designs of the two projects after India indicated that it wanted to review the Indus Water Treaty, linking it to the situation in Kashmir.

The projects will allow India to use water of three Indus tributaries to irrigate 912,000 acres of land, up from 800,000 acres, and to produce 18,600MW of electricity.

Pakistan argues that the two projects would lessen its share granted in the treaty and urges the World Bank to play a mediatory role between the two countries, as laid out in the 57-year-old water distribution pact.

While the Pakistani side has so far not held any briefing for the media, the Indian Embassy in Washington shared with the Indian media a statement from a senior World Bank official, assuring New Delhi that it will continue to “be a neutral and impartial” player in helping the two countries find an “amicable way forward”.

In a letter to India’s Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, senior World Bank official Annette Dixon said: “We are pleased both parties have confirmed their participation in the meeting hosted by the World Bank in Washington, DC”.

“The World Bank welcomes the spirit of goodwill and cooperation,” she said, and assured Ambassador Sarna of its “continued neutrality and impartiality in helping the parties find an amicable way forward”.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2017


https://www.dawn.com/news/1349072/pakistan-india-conclude-water-talks-in-washington

 

[Laozi]

India permitted to construct Kishanganga, Ratle projects: World Bank

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-projects-world-bank/articleshow/59874464.cms

Pakistan is continuously losing diplomatcally be it ICJ on KbY case or IWT proceedings at WB

It needs a course correction

That too real fast otherwise "terrorist " Modi will make life miserable for it

 

[bananarepublic]

hey if it doesnt violate the treaty then there is no problem

 

[Qutb-ud-din Aybak]

run on water projects.

 

[Soumitra]

That as a matter of fact is win of Pakistan. India was always allowed to crate electricity out of water, but they could not create "GATED DAMS" or store/block Pakistan's water. Now WB says India cannot breach the treaty and cannot create storage dams on Pakistan's rightful water.

But Indian's disgraced government the $hit Media will feed Indians every possible $hit and salute to Indians for eating it so happily - and living on it without complaining!

hey if it doesnt violate the treaty then there is no problem

run on water projects.

Pakistan was the one who went to the World Bank to try and stop these projects. Now that they have lost they are saying that the projects are as per the treaty.

If you indeed knew that from before why go to the World Bank? Why waste taxpayers money on futile litigation

 

[GHOSTS]

LOL another slap on the face of Pakistanis.

 

[Areesh]

Why waste taxpayers money on futile litigation

Just like India went to ICJ knowing that Pakistan can and would hang KBY irrespective of ICJ ruling.

It is the same thing.

 

[Soumitra]

Just like India went to ICJ knowing that Pakistan can and would hang KBY irrespective of ICJ ruling.

It is the same thing.

Both cases India won the ruling. But in the ICJ case if Pakistan violates the ruling it will once again prove that it is a rogue state which cant be trusted

 

[CaptainJackSparrow]

I don't understand why people are making this out to be a win for India when it's really insignificant.

It's not like India would have stopped the dams if WB had said otherwise.

These agencies like WB and UNSC matter for tiny little countries which have no other way of enforcing their writ.

For major world powers like the US, China, Russia, and India, these folks and their self-aggrandizing words carry little significance.

GoI has decided to do away with IWT because of how unfair it is to India. Nowhere in the world does an upper riparian give 80% of the waters to the lower riparian. Nowhere!

WB yes or no, the construction of the dams would continue unabated.

 

[Genesis]

Both cases India won the ruling. But in the ICJ case if Pakistan violates the ruling it will once again prove that it is a rogue state which cant be trusted

pretty sure if you violate a ruling you are a world power, not rogue state.

 

[CaptainJackSparrow]

pretty sure if you violate a ruling you are a world power, not rogue state.

Putting house before the cart.

Violating rulings doesn't make you world power, genius; you violate rulings BECAUSE you are a world power.

If Sudan and Burkina Faso violate such rulings, they'll know the consequences and won't be able to stand.