In line with its responsibilities under the Indus Waters Treaty, the WorldBank (WB) announced its decision to resume the two separate processesrequested by India and Pakistan in relation to the Kishanganga and Ratlehydroelectric power plants.
The World Bank stated that the decision was formally communicated inletters to both countries.
The two countries disagree over whether the technical design features ofthese two hydroelectric plants contravene the treaty.
Pakistan asked the World Bank to facilitate setting up a Court ofArbitration to consider its concerns about the designs of the twohydroelectric power projects, while India asked for the appointment of aneutral expert for the same purpose.
Read Top Stories
On 12 December 2016, the World Bank had a pause in the two separateprocesses to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways toresolve their disagreements. Since then, the World Bank has encouraged andworked with both countries to seek an amicable resolution. Multiplehigh-level meetings have been convened and a variety of proposals have beendiscussed.
The World Bank continues to share the concerns of the parties that carryingout the two appointments concurrently poses practical and legal risks.However, the lack of success in finding an acceptable solution over thepast five years is also a risk to the Treaty itself.
