Context: The World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert (NE) has declared that he is competent to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the design of hydroelectric projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960.
About World Bank’s Neutral Expert:
Neutral Expert (NE)
Appointed by: The World Bank, under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of the IWT.
Role: Resolving technical disputes arising under the treaty when the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) fails to find mutual agreement.
Current Focus: Technical evaluation of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
Dams Under Issue:
Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project:
Location: Jhelum River, tributary of the Indus, Jammu & Kashmir.
Ratle Hydroelectric Project:
Location: Chenab River, tributary of the Indus, Jammu & Kashmir.
About Indus Water Treaty:
Established In:
Signed in 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan.
Brokered by the World Bank, which also serves as a signatory.
Nations Involved:
India: Allocated water from eastern rivers – Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej.
Pakistan: Allocated water from western rivers – Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
Features of the Treaty:
Equitable distribution of the Indus River system’s water.
Permits certain uses of water by both nations, including hydroelectric projects.
Oversight by the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), consisting of commissioners from both countries.
World Bank’s Role:
Appoints a Neutral Expert to resolve technical differences.
Facilitates arbitration through a Court of Arbitration if disputes cannot be resolved.
Ensures the treaty’s implementation and integrity.
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