More trouble for Pakistan as India to get loan from World Bank worth Rs…, to spend on…
Following the abrogation of Article 370, the Narendra Modi government has focused on the development of Jammu and Kashmir despite Pakistan’s repeated claims on the valley. Pakistan has been claiming Jammu and Kashmir as its own on different international platforms. In what could give Pakistan more sleepless nights, the Indian government is now speeding up the process of taking a loan of Rs 3119 crore from the World Bank for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the purpose of the loan?
The process has been started with the aim of speeding up the completion of the strategically important ‘Kwar Dam’ project being built on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district. This is a greenfield storage hydropower project, which may have an impact on the flow of water. This dam will supply 540 MW of electricity. It is a concrete gravity dam about 109 meters high. It will cost Rs 4,526 crore to complete it.
The work of diverting the flow of the Chenab river was successfully completed in January 2024. This is considered an important achievement in any hydropower project. Apart from this, the excavation of the 609 meter long main tunnel has also started. Now the main construction work of the dam is going on at a fast pace.
When was the foundation stone laid?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of this project on 24 April 2022. The government aims to complete this project by 2027 so that the availability of electricity in the Jammu and Kashmir region increases and industrial development gets a boost.
What is its impact on Pakistan?
This project is coming up at a time when there is tension between India and Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty. The Chenab river is a major tributary of the Indus and Pakistan is dependent on its water flow. Pakistan is worried about the reduction in the flow of water due to this construction by India. Although India has not violated the treaty till now, the demand for review of the treaty and the continuous objections lodged by Pakistan have made this issue strategically important.
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