India, Pakistan await IAC decision on Kishanganga

The International Court of Arbitration is reviewing the additional required information over controversial Kishanganga Hydro Power Project, which both Pakistan and India submitted recently.

A decision is expected soon.

If Pakistan loses its case in the court and India completes its 330 Mw hydro power project on river Neelam, Pakistan would experience a shortfall of about 21 per cent in the Neelam inflow for its 969 Mw Neelam-Jehlum Hydroelectric Project, thus reducing its energy generation by 10 per cent.

An official from Water and Power Ministry, Tanveer Alam, confirmed that ICA Hague had received the required additional information and comments from Pakistan and India and that the ICA would now consider submissions and additional information by both parties, after which it would reach a decision on interim measures, adding that no decision had been taken yet.

The water of River Kishanganga is to be diverted through a 23 km long tunnel to produce 330MW power. This water, after production of power, would join the Wullar Lake and ultimately flow down through Jehlum to Muzaffarabad.

A document available with Daily Times revealed that Pakistani authorities raised objections with India on the diversion of flow and design of the project.