World Bank came forward to mediate in Indo-Pak water dispute, questions raised about hydroelectric plants

The World Bank has come forward to mediate the water dispute between India and Pakistan. The World Bank has appointed a chairman of the Court of Arbitration and a 'neutral expert' on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower plants because of disagreements and differences between India and Pakistan over the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. Announcing the appointments, the World Bank said on Monday that it is confident that neutral experts and highly qualified experts appointed as members of the Court of Arbitration will give fair and careful consideration to orders within their jurisdiction under the treaty.

The World Bank said in a statement that Michael Lino has been appointed as a neutral expert and Sean Murphy as chairman of the arbitration court. According to the statement, they will perform their duties as experts in the subject in their capacity and independently of any other appointments they receive. India did not immediately comment on these appointments.

India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of talks. It was also signed by the World Bank. This treaty establishes a mechanism for cooperation and the exchange of information between the two countries regarding the use of rivers. India and Pakistan disagree on whether the technical design features of the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower plants violate the treaty.

The statement said that Pakistan had requested the World Bank to set up a Court of Arbitration to consider its concerns regarding the design of the two hydroelectric power projects, while India has sought a neutral court because of similar concerns regarding the two projects. Was asked to appoint a specialist.

What is Indus Water Treaty

Under the Indus Water Treaty, India can freely use the entire waters of the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi and the waters of the western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab are allocated mainly to Pakistan. India is allowed to build limited storage plants as per the norms set out in the Treaty on Western Rivers.

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