India-Pak meeting on power projects in J&K

NEW DELHI : Pakistan is set to raise objections to the construction of four power projects in J&K, the foundation stone of one of which was laid by the Prime Minister recently, at the next meeting of the Indus Commission to be held here from Monday.

A five-member Pakistani delegation will attend the first meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission being held this year.

According to the agenda of the meeting, Pakistan’s objection to 850 MW Ratle, 120 MW Miyar, 48 MW Lower Kalnai and 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydro projects, proposed to be constructed by India in Chenab basin, will be discussed.

In June, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had kick-started work on the Ratle project on Chenab River as part of efforts to tap hydroelectric potential in J&K.

The 850 MW Ratle project, which is the nation’s first hydroelectric project that was bid out through tariff-based international competitive bidding, will cost Rs 5,500 crore.

The Miyar project envisages an installation of 120 MW capacity. The project component comprises a construction of a 25 m high diversion structure, about 6.6 km long head-race tunnel, an open to sky restricted orifice surge tank, a surface powerhouse complex on the right bank of river Chenab near Udaipur town.

Under the provisions of the 1960 Treaty, the two Commissioners are required to meet at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. (AGENCIES)