The Hindu Business Line : `World Bank may help resolve Baglihar row'

THE Union Water Resources Minister, Mr Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi, is hopeful that World Bank mediation would help find a tangible solution between India and Pakistan on disputes relating to the Baglihar Dam across the Chenab River in Kashmir.

"Sixty per cent of the Baglihar dam project is complete. On our side, there is neither technical fault nor confusion. However, Pakistan unilaterally has stopped discussions on the project and has sought World Bank mediation. Accordingly the notes between both the countries will henceforth be exchanged through the World Bank," the Minister said. "The issue may now find a tangible solution."

Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday at the Press Club, Mr Dasmunshi said at a recent meeting in Dhaka, India and Bangladesh decided to discuss differences over the Teesta project in North Bengal. The project is being implemented by the West Bengal government.

He, however, denied any dispute with Bangladesh over the Ganga waters sharing treaty. "Bangladesh has already made it clear that the treaty is implemented by India in accordance with the agreement."

On the river-linking project, Mr Dasmunshi said the first step in that direction would begin with the submission of a feasibility report in December this year. The UPA Government is stressing on linking South-bound rivers to avoid international ramifications.

"While the feasibility study is conducted on the major river systems in the country we are now concentrating on linking Betwa, Kali Sind and Chambal between Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan through two projects. While Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already expressed their willingness, Uttar Pradesh, being on the upstream, is yet to agree fully," he said.

Meanwhile, the Centre is to introduce a Bill in the current session to form a North Eastern River Valley Authority (NERVA) and a North Bengal River Management Board (NBRMB) to tackle floods and erosion issues in North-Eastern States and North Bengal districts, respectively.

While NERVA will be formed out of the existing Brahmaputra Board with a renewed focus on the North-Eastern States, NBRMB will absorb all the employees of the North Bengal Flood Commission.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page