Delegation arrived as a part of Neutral Expert proceedings to inspect Kishenganga (330MW) and Ratle (850 MW) HEP under IWT.

• Kishenganga HEP: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project which diverts water from Kishenganga River to a power plant in Jhelum River basin in J&K.
• Ratle HEP: Situated on Chenab River in Kishtwar district, J&K.

About IWT

• Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with World Bank being a signatory of it.
• Treaty allocates Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
• India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under IWT, 1960.
• Disagreement between both countries is related to design features of Kishenganga and Ratle HEPs. 
  • World Bank is not financing either project.
• It provides 3 Step Dispute Resolution Mechanism viz.
  • Step 1: Permanent Indus Commission is required to meet at least once every year to resolve questions about implementation of treaty.
  • Step 2: Neutral Expert to deal with unresolved differences on water-sharing.
  • Step 3: Court of Arbitration, a Seven-member arbitral tribunal to deal with the disputes.