Indo-Pak talks on Chenab water controversy

New Delhi, Oct 16 (PTI) With Pakistan raising the pitch over the alleged blockade of Chenab river water by India, officials of the two countries will meet here next week to discuss the issue.

Pakistan's Indus Water Commissioner Jamaat Ali Shah
will arrive here on Saturday for talks with his Indian
counterpart G.Ranganathan.

The Indus Water Commissioners of the two countries are
expected to discuss how to address such issues amicably to
each other's satisfaction.

The talks have been warranted after Pakistan alleged
that India had stopped the flow of water from Chenab river for
construction of Baglihar power project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan claimed its crops had been affected because of this.

India has said the flow was low because of the lesser
availability of water in the river.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said on Sunday
that the issue could "damage ties" between the two countries.

"The Indian Prime Minister had assured me in our
meeting in New York that his country was seriously committed
to our water-sharing treaty. We expect him to stand by his
commitment," Zardari was quoted as saying.

Besides holding talks here, the Pakistani delegation
is also expected to visit Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir
for on-the-spot assessment.

The 450 Mega Watt Baglihar Power Project on river
Chenab, which was caught in a prolonged tussle between India
and Pakistan before World Bank gave a go-ahead for its
construction over a year ago, was commissioned last week.

India has questioned Pakistan's claim that the reduces
water flow had affected cultivation in that country.

"The water from India is stored in the Marala dam in
Pakistan and not released directly for irrigation. How is it
possible that the dam will dry up in flood season," a senior
Indian official said.

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, India and Pakistan
each have exclusive right over three of the six common rivers.