Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant
In a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Water Resources, chaired by Khalid Magsi, the Secretary of the Water Resources Ministry presented Pakistan’s objections to the design of the Kishanganga hydroelectric power plant.
The meeting highlighted ongoing disputes between Pakistan and India regarding the Indus Basin Agreement.
According to the Water Resources Ministry Secretary, Pakistan has expressed concerns that the design of the Kishanganga plant, located on the Kishanganga River—which Pakistan refers to as the Neelum River—violates the terms of the Indus Basin Agreement.
The plant is situated just meters away from the Line of Control (LOC), and Pakistan contends that it alters the river’s course and reduces the water flow, affecting downstream water availability.
India, on the other hand, maintains that the plant’s design complies with the agreement.
Currently, there are two active cases involving the Indus Basin Agreement, with one being heard in The Hague, where India has joined as a party to the case.
In addition to discussing the Kishanganga project, the meeting addressed issues with the Karachi water provision project, K-4.
The WAPDA Chairman reported significant flaws in the K-4 project’s design, which resulted in a financial loss of Rs16 to Rs20 billion for the federal government.
He noted that the project’s design has been revised to address these issues.
MNA Zartaj Gul emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy statement on the Indus Basin Agreement to clarify Pakistan’s stance and facilitate a resolution to the ongoing disputes with India.
The discussion underscored the complexities of transboundary water management and the critical need for effective bilateral agreements to address such challenges.
