The Hindu : National : India-Pakistan mechanism on Tulbal soon

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Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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India-Pakistan mechanism on Tulbal soon

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have agreed to set up a technical-level mechanism to take forward their talks on the Tulbal Navigation Project in the Baramullah district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the first time that the two sides have agreed on a mechanism. India says the project is a “navigation lock” on river Jhelum, while Pakistan maintains it is a ``barrage.” This was declared in a joint statement at the end of the two-day Secretary-level talks here.

The Indian delegation was led by Water Resources Secretary Gauri Chatterjee and the Pakistan team by their Water and Power Secretary Muhammad Ismail Qureshi.

Mr. Qureshi, who later called on Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, told media persons that the talks held as part of the Composite Dialogue were “cordial.” The fourth round of talks ended on Friday, but technical-level dialogue would continue. “We are seeking a solution which is [Indus Waters] treaty-compliant,” he said.

Describing the talks as a “step in the forward direction,” Mr Soz said India was not violating any aspect of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Navigation was permissible under the treaty. “No irrigation potential is being created and no dam or barrage is being built. The Pakistan team visited the Wullar lake area in March. On their request, India allowed it as a goodwill gesture. We are confident that the issue will be settled amicably,” he said.

The Tulbal Navigation Project was started by India in 1984 and was halted in 1986 after Pakistan raised objections.

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