AMIDST reports that a technical team of the Pakistani engineers is coming on July 23 on a week-long visit to Baglihar power project, Chenab water is again on boil. When both the countries are working hard to break ice in the relations, this power project has become a bone of contention between India and Pakistan as the latter alleged that India was violating the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. However, India denies the charge.

After Pakistan approached the World Bank, it has appointed a Swiss neutral expert mediator on the issue. The World Bank (WB) has proposed a panel of three experts to look into the Pakistan’s apprehensions. After this, India has hardened its stand on the ambitious 450-MW Baglihar hydro-power project over river Chenab.

‘‘I have heard that a team of Pakistani engineers is coming to visit Baglihar but our stand is clear that we are working as per our requirements in Baglihar,’’ said G.H.Rather, Managing Director, J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).

He said that Pakistan’s apprehensions that present water level and blockade at project is detrimental to their needs is not correct. Even there is no threat of floods for Pakistan because the distance of their border from Baglihar project sight is about 150 km and two of our projects Salal and Sawlakote fall between this, so if there will be any danger, it will be for us first, Rather told The Indian Express on Wednesday.

Pakistan has raised strong objection on design of the Baglihar project giving a plea that its height and lower sluice gates will create problem for Pakistan in the shape of less water to their country. Experts say that if work on projects is taken according to the Pakistan wishes, huge silt would get deposited there which can create many serious problems to the project.

Though Pakistan wants alteration in the design of the project, J&K state Power Minister Mohammad Sharif Niaz said: ‘‘We are only utilising the stringent flowing of the water and Pakistan apprehensions in this regard are unfortunate and baseless’’.

Meanwhile, JKSPC Managing Director G.H.Rather told this correspondent that they are soon going to establish a Remote Monitoring and Control System (RMAC). ‘‘This will enable both the countries to have watch on the project,’’ said Rather.

Recently, a Mumbai based strategic foresight group in a 109-page report ‘The final settlement: restructuring India-Pakistan relations’ had said that Islamabad’s prime interest in Kashmir was to secure its water resources. The report said, ‘‘Pakistan’s per capita water availability had declined from 5,600 cubic meters at the time of independence to 1200 cubic meters in 2005. It was expected to reach the threshold level of 1,000 cubic meters before 2010, or even 2007’’.