Indian interest limited to ensure knee deep water in Wullar : Soz

New Delhi, Sept 3 (UNI) Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz today said he had made it amply clear to the visiting Pakistan delegation that India's interest in the Wullar project was only ensure that the the canal would have enough water to facilitate- navigation of boats and expressed hope that the two countries would solve the problem 'amicably'.

Prof Soz, told mediapersons, that all that India required was four and half feet of water in the canal system to facilitate boat movement during the lean period and there was no irrigation content in the project. ''There was a centuries-old deep attachment to Jhelum for people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan should understand these sentiments. The delegation seemed to be convinced of the emotions towards Jhelum,'' he remarked.

He said he also told the Pakistan delegation that they should understand that if Wullar lake was allowed to have slit deposits, it would not just affect India but the neighbouring country also would be affected by the calamity. ''India's stand on the project was very correct and in tune with the Indus Water Treaty signed by the two countries,'' he asserted.

The Minister said the Secretary-level talks between the two countries had taken place in a cordial manner and there was a joint statement after the meet.

As far as India was concerned, it had accepted Indus Water Treaty and the country had proved before the Neutral Expert in the case of Baglihar, it had not violated the terms of the treaty. Work in the project was progressing very well, he added.

UNI