Neutral expert to give decision on Baglihar on Feb 12

New Delhi, Feb 9 (UNI) World Bank neutral expert Raymond Lafitte adjudicating the differences between India and Pakistan over the design of Rs 4500 crore Baglihar dam under construction across Chenab in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir will announce his decision to the representatives of the two governments at Bern in Switzerland on Monday.

Prof Lafitte, a civil engineer teaching at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, was appointed as the Neutral Expert in May 2005 by the World Bank after India and Pakistan failed to reach a consensus on the Baglihar project.

The two governments have agreed to abide by the decision of Prof Lafitte and he would be disseminating his decision in accordance with the rules of the two countries. The World Bank has no role in public dissemination of the text of the decision, it is bound by the decision of the neutral expert, bank sources said.

It is for the first time since the Treaty was concluded between the two countries provisions for resolving differences and disputes have been invoked.

The Indus System of Rivers comprises three Eastern Rivers - Sutlej, Beas and Ravi; and three Western Rivers - the Indus, the Jhelum and Chenab. The treaty gives India exclusive use of all of the waters of the Eastern Rivers and their tributaries before the point where the rivers enter Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan has exclusive use of the western rivers.

Prof Lafitte had even undertaken an on-the-spot study of the project to understand Indian views on the issue after he took over the responsibility.

UNI