Pakistan Seek Water Compensation from India Over Baglihar Dam river Chenab

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 9:54 pm

Pakistan Seek Water Compensation from India Over Baglihar Dam river Chenab ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday said that Pakistan would seek compensation from India over shortage of water at Head Marala after its neighbour constructed Baglihar Dam on river Chenab.

Speaking on a ‘Calling Attention Notice’ in the National Assembly, the Minister said that the compensation would be in the shape of water whose flow has reduced from 55,000 cusecs to 22,000 cusecs at Head Marala.

The notice drew government’s attention towards storing of water in Baglihar Dam by stopping the water of river Chenab by India.

He said India can construct dam at the run of the river on its side but is also responsible for ensuring that water discharge at Head Marala remains at 55,000 cusecs.

The Minister said that Pakistan is suffering a loss of 200,000 acre feet of water due to Baglihar Dam, which was also affecting crops out put.

The government, he added, is very much alive to the situation arising out of the construction of dam and has taken it up at every level.

He said the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan have taken up the issue with the Indian Prime Minister.