Pakistan objects to Indian Pakal Dul, Lower Kulnai hydropower projects

LAHORE (92 News) – Pakistan has objected to the design of Indian Pakal Dul and Lower Kulnai hydropower projects on the Chenab River in the first round of two-day talks between two countries over the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. The second round of the talks will be held on Thursday. Pakistan officials informed the Indian delegation about their reservations on the projects. They demanded that a change in the design of both hydropower projects is inevitable. They demanded that India should reduce the height of Pakal Dul project by five metres and its spillways should be increased 40 metres above the sea-level. The Pakistan delegation also demanded that the demonstration of filling the lake and releasing its water should also be clarified. Indus Waters Commissioner Mehar Ali Shah led the Pakistani delegation. The nine-member Indian delegation was led by P K Saxena. As many as seven rounds of talks over the issue have been held so far since 2013.