Omar seeks compensation for restrictions imposed by IWT

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the state should be compensated for restrictions imposed by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on creating water storage facilities and power generation.
He said that power sector was important for ensuring a turn-around of the state's economy and advocated urgent steps to initiate measures to alleviate suffering of the people because of power shortage. He also sought an assistance of Rs 4,800 crore as loans and assistance from the Centre.
Addressing Power Ministers' Conference this morning and speaking at the Sixth meeting of Task Force on Development of Hydro Projects in the evening here, he said there was a need to transfer 390 MW Dulhasti Hydro Electric Project to the state as recommended by Prime Minister's Working Group on Economic Development of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The recommendation needs to be taken its logical conclusion at the earliest to fulfil the aspiration of the people of the state," Omar said.
On the IWT, he said the state loses revenue on account of the treaty. "The treaty imposed restrictions on sufficient storage facility which could have been created in the state for generation of hydro electric energy."
The IWT was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 under which Pakistan has right to use the Indus, the Jhelum and Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir while India has exclusive rights on the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi in Punjab.

Noting that a turnaround in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir cannot happen without turnaround in power sector, Omar sought close cooperation between the Centre and the state governments in helping Jammu and Kashmir to produce 9000 MWs of power.