Srinagar, June 15, KDC: Amid escalating violence and militant attacks in Jammu, the government has appointed 25 liaison officers in anticipation of a visit by neutral experts, accompanied by delegations from both India and Pakistan, to Jammu & Kashmir from June 17 to June 28.
According to a government order, the designated officers, all members of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), have been instructed to report to the office of the Managing Director of the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation in either Jammu or Srinagar. There, they will receive briefings on their specific duties and responsibilities during the visit.
This visit is conducted under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The IWT is a pivotal water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, facilitated and mediated by the World Bank. Signed in 1960, the treaty governs the use and distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. It has been instrumental in managing water resources in the region, promoting cooperation, and mitigating conflicts between the two countries.
Reports reaching Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com said that the neutral experts’ visit aims to assess and ensure compliance with the provisions of the IWT. These experts are tasked with evaluating water projects, infrastructure, and usage patterns to ensure that both India and Pakistan adhere to the treaty’s terms. This includes scrutinizing any potential disputes or concerns regarding water usage, construction of dams, and other water management activities that might impact the equitable distribution of water resources as outlined in the treaty, they said.
During the visit, the neutral experts and the delegations from India and Pakistan may engage in joint inspections, site visits, and discussions, an official told Kashmir Dot Com. “They will review the implementation of the treaty on the ground, address any grievances, and work towards resolving any outstanding issues. The liaison officers appointed by the government will facilitate these interactions, ensuring smooth communication and coordination between the visiting parties and the local authorities,” he said.
This visit is a significant event in the context of Indo-Pak relations, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain peace and cooperation over shared natural resources. The outcomes of this visit could have important implications for future water management and bilateral relations between the two nations. (KDC)
