New Delhi, May 25: Pakistan is all set to raise with India the issue of two Hydel power projects being constructed in Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue would be raised during the meeting of Indus Water Commissioners of the two countries here on May 31.
“Pakistan has objections over construction of the Uri-II and Chutak hydel power projects and will raise the issue during the meeting,” the source said.
The development comes in the wake of Pakistan’s recent “threatening” to India that it will move the World Bank over the Kishenganga project in Kashmir.
Pakistan complains that the two projects violate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that governs rights of the two countries on six common rivers. India maintains that there was no violation.
The 240 MW Uri-II hydel power project is being constructed on Jhelum river in Kashmir. The 44 MW Chutak project is being constructed in Kargil district in Ladakh province and would harness the hydropower potential of Suru river. The barrage of the project is located near village Sarzhe and the powerhouse is proposed on right bank of river Suru near village Chutak.
Pakistan claims the construction of the Chutak project would block 35,000-feet per acre water.
According to Islamabad, India had given it certain time to respond to designs of these two projects but started construction work before the deadline for Pakistan’s response. The Pakistani objections to the new projects come after its recent letter threatening to move the World Bank for arbitration over Kishenganga power project in Jammu and Kashmir, which it alleges violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.
During the three-day meeting, the two sides will also try to finalise the annual report and work out the programme for the next year as per the 1960 pact.
Under the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan has exclusive right over three of the common rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab—while India has right over Sutlej, Ravi and Beas. Kishenganga is a tributary of Jhelum river.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 IST