Indian Indus Water Treaty Commissioner Aranga Nathan on Friday said that the Kishanganga power project was part of the agenda to be discussed in the 100th Commission meeting. He said that no talk would take place on Baglihar dam, since it was a closed issue, and the World Bank's changes on its design were binding on them; thus, "yes it is being implemented".
He expressed these views while talking to newsmen at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on arrival with his 11-member delegation to attend the Commission meeting on Saturday, May 31. He refused to comment on the details of the Kishanganga power project to be discussed in the meeting, saying that technical details could not be discussed in the public.
When asked if he would request his counterpart for a visit to the Neelum-Jhelum power project, he said that it was an internal matter between the two Commissions and "we would decide the way we like". He said that there was no question of not allowing the Pakistanis to visit the Kishanganga power project, "and why there is a doubt about it"?
According to him, in the meeting agenda, Kishanganga power project would be discussed, among other items, including Ori-II, finalisation of the Commission report, further programmes of the Commission.
On the success of the Commission, he said its 100th meeting shows that there is a co-operation and friendship between the two "and also reflects our commitment" to the Treaty. Pakistani Commissioner of Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) Jamaat Ali Shah told newsmen that Kishanganga was very much part of the agenda to be discussed in the meeting.
On Baglihar dam, he said that neutral expert's opinions were binding on the project and, as his counterpart has said, it was being implemented. "We have requested the Indians for a visit to the Baglihar dam and its modalities would be decided with them," he added. The Commission meeting would start on Saturday, May 31 and would conclude on Monday, June 2, which would be held in Nespak building.
The PIC is only a permanent body that exists between Pakistan and India since 1960 Waters Treaty was signed by the two rival countries with World Bank playing a role of a facilitator. Pakistan's major concern of the day is to ensure on the spot inspection of the Baglihar dam as early as possible after the World Bank's neutral expert had determined "differences" and allowed its construction with some important modifications.