India has written to the World Bank’s neutral expert, Mitchell Lino, which requested a stagnation in its proceedings on retail and Kishunganga hydroelectric disputes, which is after the Central Government’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in the absence, The Indian Express Have you learnt.
Lino is believed to have sought Pakistan’s views on India’s request, which is opposed by Islamabad.
The dispute being heard by Lino since 2022 worrys about two Indian hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir – on Kishungang, Kishanganga RiverAnd Rathal, on the Chenab River.
A French Dam Engineer and, recently, the International Commission Chairman on Large Dam, Lino was appointed by the World Bank on 13 October 2022 under Article IX and Annex F by the Indus Water Treaty.
His mandate is to listen to both India and Pakistan and determine whether the design of these projects complies with the treaty. Pakistan claims that India is violating the treaty, especially on minimum water flow requirements.
Following the union’s cabinet decision, “Pakistan reliably and irreversible to end its support for cross -border terrorism, after the” decision to maintain the treaty, the Government of India formally informed Lino and requested that he evacuates the “work program” related to the Raininga and Rattal disputes. In response to Lino, Pakistan objected to India’s stand and opposed any proposal to suspend the dispute resolution proceedings.
According to the 2025 task program, which India now wants to vacate, Pakistan had to present its written response to India’s presentation by 7 August – or the counter memorial. The fourth meeting of the neutral expert with both sides was scheduled from 17 to 22 November.
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The meeting must have been important, including India’s written argument (monument) and the presentation of Pakistan’s counter, interrogation by neutral experts, and preparation for India’s second site journey in December.
Ultimatum for Pakistan
After the Pahalgam attack, India placed the IWT to “Pakistan reliably and irresponsible to end its support for cross -border terrorism”. Under the IWT, the water of the “Eastern Rivers” – Sutlage, Beas and Ravi – are for the unrestricted use of India, while “Western rivers” – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab – are mainly for Pakistan.
Lino, which serves as a technical assistant under the treaty to resolve “differences”, is expected to consider Pakistan’s comments before deciding whether to stop the proceedings.
An email sent by The Indian Express Lino did not respond to seeking comments.
Even India and Pakistan are now talking through neutral experts, both governments are learned to directly exchange letters at least once on the suspension of IWT. India formally informed Pakistan’s decision to make a treaty in the treaty by a letter on 24 April. Pakistan replied (Operation Sindoor was launched on 7 May), indicating Delhi’s desire to discuss concerns and suggest a date in May. India has not responded to that proposal.
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According to top government sources, New Delhi is currently not willing to engage in the discussion on the matter with Islamabad, and the treaty will be in prosecution for now.
Meanwhile, sources said that the government plans to construct a canal to remove water in various Indian states from the Indus river system. It has also conducted two flushing exercises in Baglihar and Salal-to clean the sediment that disrupts two runs-off-the-supervision hydroelectric projects-power generation on the chainb in Kashmir.
These are the first such exercises as Salal was built in 1987 and in 2008-09 in Baglihar. Pakistan had earlier blocked such activities through objections under IWT. Officials said that flushing will now be held on a monthly basis.
First, The Indian Express It was reported that the Center wants to fast-track four hydroelectric projects on Chenab-Pakal Dal (1,000 MW), Ratal (850 MW), Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW). Pakal dull is the first storage-based hydro project being built in J&K.
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