Pak objections on Baglihar over-ruled

New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) The World Bank expert on the 450 MW Baghlihar hydro-electric project in Jammu and Kashmir has over ruled Pakistan's objections but recommended that the height of the dam be reduced by 1.5 metres, official sources said here today.

Pakistan objects to the construction of the dam claiming it would disrupt the flow of water and adversely affect its agriculture. It says the project violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty between the two countries.

Islamabad sought World Bank intervention and demanded appointment of a neutral expert to look into the matter whose decision would be final and binding on both sides. Consequently, Raymond Lafitte, a Swiss expert, was appointed to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Mr D K mehta, Indus Commissioner, met Water Resources Minister Saif-ud-Din Soz here this evening and apprised him of the situation.

India began construction on the project in 1990. However, Pakistan raised objections saying it was violative of the Indus-Water Treaty.

Many rounds of negotiations were held between the experts of the two countries which failed to produce any results.

UNI