Thu Nov 14 02:04:51 UTC 2024: ## J&K Leaders Spar Over Indus Water Treaty and Power Projects

**Srinagar, November 14, 2024:** The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has sparked a fresh debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders clashing over its impact on the region’s power potential and the control over its hydroelectric projects.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking at a conference of Power Ministers on Tuesday, highlighted the treaty’s limitations on the region’s ability to harness its hydropower resources, citing storage constraints and the restriction to run-of-the-river projects. He emphasized the need for special compensation from the Centre to unlock the untapped potential, including viability gap funding and equity assistance.

However, former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, while acknowledging the treaty’s negative impact on Kashmir, accused the BJP of using the issue for political gain and warned against stoking tensions with Pakistan. She questioned Abdullah’s focus on the treaty and urged him to demand the return of power projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), which currently controls a majority of J&K’s hydropower generation.

Mufti reminded Abdullah that the BJP had pledged in 2014 to hand over at least two projects to J&K, citing the Rangarajan Committee’s recommendation.

Sajad Lone, president of the J&K Peoples Conference, sharply criticized Abdullah’s focus on the treaty, calling it “right-wing gibberish” aimed at appeasing the BJP. He advocated for a two-tier approach to J&K’s water resources, prioritizing hydropower generation within the treaty’s limits and then pursuing compensation or rights for the restricted resources. He emphasized that J&K has not even harnessed 20% of its potential and called for prioritizing the region’s water rights in negotiations with the Centre.

The debate highlights the complex and sensitive issue of water rights and power resources in J&K, with leaders expressing differing opinions on the best strategy for maximizing the region’s benefits. It remains to be seen how the Centre will respond to these demands and what impact the debate will have on the future of hydroelectric projects in the region.

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