Islamabad has formally asked New Delhi, India for inspection of various water and power projects being constructed on Chenab River in Held Kashmir, official sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday. "We have asked for site visit of Baghlihar Hydropower project, Pakkaldul Hydropower Project, Salaal Hydropower project, Swalkot Dam and Burser Dam", said an official of Ministry of Water and Power. He further said that India would propose schedule of visit in response to a letter written by Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters.

"India is bound to facilitate Pakistan in inspection of these sites under the provision of Indus Waters Treaty, official enunciated. "As per section D, Article VIII of Indus Waters Treaty, commissioner of either country is bound to undertake promptly a tour of inspection of such construction works or sites on the Rivers as may be considered necessary by him for ascertaining the facts connected with those works or sites".

It is pertinent to mention here that the largest of these projects is the 1,856 megawatt Sawalkote Dam. India is working on second phase of Baghlihar Hydropower project having capacity of 450mw, Pakkaldul Hydropower Project of 1000mw, Salaal Hydropower project 690mw and Burser Dam of 1020mw.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017