Work on Kishenganga hydroelectric project underway

New Delhi, Aug.13 (ANI): Minister of External Affairs S.M.Krishna said on Thursday that the work on Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project is in progress.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Krishna said: "Pakistan has instituted proceedings for a Court of Arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty to settle the disputes raised by it. Two arbitrators each have been appointed by India and Pakistan under the provisions of the Treaty. A draw of lots for determining the persons to be requested for selection of three Umpires was held on July 29, 2010. They would now be requested to select the Umpires as per the provisions of the Treaty," the minister informed.

He also informed that the sharing of water between India and Pakistan was being done in accordance with the Indus Water Treaty signed by the two countries in 1960.

"In the Permanent Indus Commission, no such issue of theft of water has been raised by Pakistan's Commissioner for Indus Waters," he informed.

"The stage-I of Baglihar Hydroelectric Project (450 MW) was inaugurated on 10th October, 2008 by Hon'ble Prime Minister. The State Government has recently submitted the Detailed Project Report of the Stage-II of the project for another 450 MW to Ministry of Power and Ministry of Water Resources for necessary clearances," said Krishna. (ANI)