GoI will resume work on Wullar Barrage in Kashmir: Union Power Minister

By: Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar: With Indus Water Treaty (IWT) being put in abeyance, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar Thursday said that the Government of India (GoI) was no longer answerable to Pakistan and will resume work on Wullar barrage project.

Speaking at a press conference—marking 11 years of the BJP-led Central government, Khattar as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Earlier we had to take them (Pakistan) on board with regard to the any project or development in this regard. Now, the situation has changed.”

“Previously in 1981, there was a new project near Wullar Lake, Pakistan had not allowed and permitted to build the barrage on the River Jhelum at the mouth of Wullar Lake,” he said.

The minister said that because of the treaty, the project could not be taken forward. “However, after putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, there is no requirement of any permission from Pakistan and we will resume the work on the project.”

About the threats, Khattar said, “Pakistan has got the response during Operation Sindoor and they will again get the answer with the same force if they dare to do anything with regard to the Indus Water Treaty.”

“After the operation Sindoor, Pakistan has been badly affected by the abeyance of Indus Water Treaty and PM Modi has clearly said that Terror and Talks, Terror and Trade and Blood and Water can’t go together. This a clear message to every country of the world,” he said. —(KNO)