Pakistani leaders may keep taking their gullible public for a ride.

The fact of the matter is that India is only exercising the rights given to her under the treaty. That's why WB or any international court is coming to Pakistan"s aid.

The leaders in Pakistan will just make noise for domestic consumption.

Unfortunately the powerful seem to be winning all the time. With world indifference and even support, tomorrow, India may abrogate the Indus Water treaty, citing time and population considerations and will appear open to renegotiate another treaty. We are already parched, it will really put pressure on our establishment. We need to be ready for this.

Congratulations

Who spends more than 1 billion of hard earned tax payers money on not so greatful religious fanatics who know nothing more than pelting stones and asking for separate country since they happen to have majority population in 2/3 cities of south kashmir?

Kashmir is Integral part of Pakistan

Blood & water cannot flow together. Narendra Modi.

We are divided internally so much, that others will take advantage.

Great job by PM Modi ! He is unstoppable

What is the point of showing concern. Pakistan is lower riparian and unable to store and use it's share appropriately. Building dams for hydroelectricity is happening in every country and to expect that a neighbor won't do it is unrealistic.

India was giving extra water (over and above the Indus water treaty of 1960) to Pak earlier but it seems like Pak did not like the free gifts. So now we are building storage upto 3.6 million acre-feet which is exactly what is allowed by the treaty.

Have some courage to give Modi full speech.

Modi is a true patroit. Despite all his limitations one cannot doubt that he has his countries development in the back of his mind

If a project helps in the development of Kashmiris on either side, then it should be appreciated and encouraged. Lets stop the hate and start building bridges.

It is relatively small dam for Indian energy needs

Crying is not going to work here. India wants to utilize water efficiently and produce electricity. This will make people's life better.

We Indians building dams and engineering projects worldwide and this is our own nation. Big projects yet to come. Pakistan should bag some benefit instead protest. Needs maturity. Now Pakistan is more than 70 yrs old.

Good work India, such projects will help development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indus water treaty allows New Delhi to construct storage capacities on the western rivers up to 3.6 million acre feet (MAF) for various purpose, including domestic use. So please read the treaty guys

It’s neither disrupted or controversial. World Bank has approved the project.

If Kishanganga is indeed a problem for Pakistan then maybe Pakistani leadership should consider reigning in the anti Indian groups operating from its territory. I'm sure India would not only reconsider this dam but may also make Pakistan a partner in its road to economic prosperity

Good work done. J & K needs more development for the prosperity of Kashmiris.

Pakistan always make strategy based on emotions, not based on logics.

Apart from issuing statements there is nothing much you can do now.

Great going Modiji.

We are just drifting away from any prospect of peace.

Pakistani should also create such infrastructure for energy requirements.

India needs atleast 3.3 GW according to its needs,330 MW is not enough.

Curfew was only in Srinagar Not in Ladakh & Jammu..Soo you can understand that this freedom propaganda is manufactured.

Tht's just the start, wait more dams are on the way!!!

Kashmiri farmers were complaining lack of water, now they will have their own.

we need more dams, more electricity to power entire South Asia, instead of jealousy, Pakistan should come forward along with Bangladesh, build more dams and distribute electricity to the whole region

Modi in his speech said development and only development is the key to all the solution. This is applicable to Pakistan as well.

@Samit, Reading the treaty alone is not enough, you have to follow it too.

Controversial only for Pakistan!

Just wait n watch ...more to come ..

Dear Editor

I have been reading the Dawn last many years. I found it is worthy to read . I would have appreciated if you would have given correct pricture of Modi Jee was giving speech in front of thousands people in Leh ,as on date highest gathering in Leh .. And also published what speech given by Mr. Modi and CM of J&k

Till now the Indians were following the IWT in spirit. Now they are following it in Letter. Kishenganga is as per the treaty. If Pakistan feels wronged then the matter should be taken up with World Bank rather than manufacturing a controversy.

@LAHORI KID which part of it is not being followed? You water didn’t stop even when you attacked in Kargil. Be thankful and not ungrateful.

Pakistan should know how to use their water resource's efficiently. Pakistan Punjab should learn from Indian Punjab.

Further It is just the begining. Next move in medium term is to stop flowing the Ravi-Beas River and its tributaries water to Pakustan and divert this water to Indian Punjab and surrounding indian states as full water usage lies with india as per water treaty with pakistan. So imagaine Lahore with dry Ravi river. It will happen sooner or later. So pakistan should plan and use their water resources efficiently and by using more modren and scientific techniques.

Hats off to India from Pakistan.

@Moin Wish everybody was blessed with such common sense. India has told the world we are on the path of growth and progress and has asked every country to join hands and benefit through investments and trade. The courting of India by so many global leaders clearly shows they have no doubt about Indian credentials or its sincerity.

Wars should not be fought on blocking air, water these are a gift of nature earth to humanity..and should flow freely.... If india wants to go that route and get low and dirty then it should also know that 4 of its main rivers that flow into her ..do come from China and the chinese have already made clear that any blockade of water in pakistan and violation of indus treaty will be dealth accordingly .

This dam is not capable to hold any water but the flow is utilized to produce electricity. It is unnecessary to make a big issue out of nothing.

The dam will be good for the people of J&k. Welldone india.

@Jamal well said

@Surya Kant it's not for entire India, just for the region first

scrap the IWT, and try to make a new one as current treaty is unusable anymore

Modi is doing right work in India. As as Indian, I am proud.

The demand for 200+ million dollars paid to Pakistan to build a dam in the 1960s now needs to be returned back to India. Since this money was not used it is due back and an official demand should be sent soon to the Govt. of Pakistan.

@LAHORI KID To follow the treaty you need to read it first. India did, and acted accordingly, this is the reason why the World Bank has not and will not find any problem with India's development of this dam.

India has once again violated the treaty it signed. But when time comes for UN plebiscite, IOK will join Pakistan inevitably, which means we get the dam India spent money to build.

New 'Indus Water Treaty' needed.

The sheer incapacity of the Pakistani political leaders is leading the country to a catastrophic waterless, dry land.

@LAHORI KID .. and Modi is following the treaty to the word and spirit. Salute to ModiJi.

Most people commenting here I am sure have never read even a word of the treaty they talk about. And the way Pakistani authorities talk about it and argue their case in various international forums, I don't think they've read it either.

If Pakistan was a sensible country, it would partner India in building these dams and stake out a share in the electricity produced there-of, instead of having to buy second hand refurbished, polluting coal power plants from China at exorbitant prices and usury interest rates. India has the expertise to build dams for Pakistan within Pakistan also at a reasonable price, which Pakistan seems unable to do for itself.

Congratulation India !

Great. The 35 foot height won't hurt Pakistan much. But it is exactly what China was waiting for before it alters the flow of rivers entering India. The preparations are complete. The game is on.

No significant harm to Pakistan. But wait for what China is about to do to India. The Indians walked right into the trap.

Pakistan must use force to destroy this dam. We can not allow an enemy of Pakistan to control our water, our water flow and the diversion of our water. Pakistani government MUST take actions!!!

@BhaRAT Heard several times, but it doesnt work nor it will work in the future.

@Truth High Hopes

@Zak Keep dreaming.

@Truth: Well said.

@Shah: Sooner or later this will happen

And we are fighting within ourselves not to build dams come what may

@Truth Nothing is going to be done. Don't worry.

@Vijay B.. India specially Modi government don't understand good sense and friendship.

@Zak I really admire you for your positive outlook. Keep it up.

There was a indus river civilization

@Waqar Any proof?

@Shah Day dreaming

India neither diverted water nor stored, all the water will keep flowing after electricity generation. Our leaders are incompetent to build dams and store the released water. Those who listen our leaders should know that we waste water worth $ 3 billion to the sea.

@Shah read the treaty- assuming you can comprehend it it is not your water

No one seems to be reading the treaties in this country.

@Shah Before commenting, please correct your knowledge on IWT and water share

It is against our will and also aginst to world bank mediated treaty , Pakistan should take a stand for this injustice and dont remain silent , Pakistani should rise their vioce and should discusss matter with world bank , they will do the justice, but we know that India have contributed a huge amount on that project so it seems impossible to stop the inauguration of the project but we will do anything that will have the influence on the india that not to do anything against the talk. If we remain silent then india will also inaugurate many prpjects like this and we will keep our eyes on that and do nothing. We have to start now nd start raising our voice , it starts wth u.

@timetostopthis The read the treaty people have to be educated

This can only happen in the biggest fraud, shame and sham democracy of the world which akin to Israel, is famous for militarily invading and forceibly occupying it's neighbors land and people on the sick centuries old jungle law of "might is right."

@Truth, no more than wishful thinking. China needs India more than Pakistan. Bilateral trade between India and China already touching 100 Billion mark. Emotions do nothing logic would.

@BhaRAT it is not. Jammu and Kashmir is India.

Big trouble is not far behind. Until the land issue is not resolved, constructing let alone celebrating it is a huge blunder of not only bilateral but also international proportion.

i suggest Pakistan to work with India. buy power from them and use water for the region.

There is no actual controversy.

And some said Modi's words are empty rhetorics.

Those who thought his words to be just rhetoric are now gone hiding.

So, what can Pakistan do? Complain?

Modi walks the talk.

@Zak no harm in dreaming.

@Zak keep dreaming kid.

@Zak daydreaming at its best.

@BhaRAT If it is case closed. Let us move on.

@riz1 emotions apart 70% of the water flowing into Pakistan is wasted and there is no storage built of planned . There is no interest to do anything for the country but extraordinary interest in activities of the Neighbour. Please do not let the population suffer by misdirecting their anger .

@. Srinagar.

They closed schools, colleges and universities for the day to stop any student protest. The main venue for Modi’s visit to Srinagar, the Dal Lake tourist attraction, was declared out of bounds for the public

Wow : by the way it was already weekend holiday. Are stories being written like propoganda?

Being a Pakistani and muslim I personally like Modi. He is courageous, bold, vocal, visionary and down to earth. He thinks for his country and betterment for his people. We must learn many things from our Indian fellows.

Only natural progression of Indian progress!

MODI's policies on Kashmir, water issues are forcing the Pakistan inching towards a war which may cost India and the world very heavily.

@Zak then why are you complaining

@Waqar , China has more business interest in India. Recently, there was summit between Xi & Modi to strengthen the bilateral ties. Remember, China did not fight Kargil war on your behalf, when you approached them. Do you think, they will fight for you now ? Keep dreaming...

Both India and Pakistan need far more dams and reservoirs and better water management. In India, under Modi, such needed projects are likely to pick up the pace. In Pakistan, it is the corrupt leading the blind.

Pakistani leaders have been sleeping over this and other dams. Now what?. India will ultimately shut down your water.

Pakistan can do nothing except issuing condemnation statement .

Modi is great visionary no doubt. Or leader need to learn from this man.

Indians used to say over and over again on this very site under comment section that the water will never be diverted. Now you have it: it was all lies. Indians are now diverting the water for internal use by stealing Pakistani water. This is unacceptable to Pakistan and a red line had been crossed by the Indians!!!

@Truth If they stop the flow, India can stop their imports from China. Also it can and it will make doing business in India difficult for them. Xi and his government knows this . They knows Newton's law. For every action there is equal and opposite reaction.

@Zak day dreaming at it's best

@Jamal Thanks Bro.There are some sensible people still in the world.

@Mohsin Thanks Bro.Good observations.

@Shashank Misra : This is the absolute truth.No accord of this magnitude would ever be allowed by the international community if there was anything against it. What Pakistani leaders want to keep it under wraps is that India never used her right share of water all these years and now she has decided to take her share as per the treaty. There is nothing against the people of Pakistan as the ruling class would like them to believe. India is only exercising her right under the accord.

@riz1 if Pakistan is able to catch billions gallons of water that flows to Arabian sea and use it for irrigation purposes it will make sense than hoodwinking its awams that India is stopping its floow and making a political issue !

@Truth : India is not the only country down river. China would get hurt if she does so and India knows what to do. India is not Pakistan as you may have seen in Doklam recently!

@Waqar your country is not utilizing even 10% of water that you get; 90% going waste; blame your leaders

@Shah The dam is for electricity generation only,and not for storage. The Pak politicians are fooling the gullible people. They should take up and finish the water-storage projects lying in files to be worked on. Rather than blame India for their incompetence & impotence!

@RTS look at the history before you talk.

With neighbours like this who carry out controversial and antagonistic projects against its neighbours it will almost certainly guarantee that there will continue to remain conflict in the future. This is one project that I would actively encourage the government to fight at the highest level diplomatically and failure of that to carry out a surgical strike as it leaves us with no other options.

@Moin you are wrong; this project is totally intended for the welfare of the people and regional development and to utilize the water efficiently; not to hurt any one

@Vijay B.. If India was wise, it would honour its signed commitment for UN Kashmir plebiscite and live in peace in the region.

@Zak Dream on

I love Modi because he is doing what none of the Indian PMs of the past could achieve in response to disputes with neighbours. The more the neighbours hate his guts be it Kishanganga; Doklam.... the more I love him. No wonder he is able to win the largest seats in any elections because the Indians see him as a genuine person who is working for his country. His leadership skills are exemplary even for China to follow.

@Zak get real Kashmir will never be part of Pakistan in million years.

Any body explain me what is UN resolution on Kashmir ???

@BhaRAT ok Got it...

@Waqar As many Pakistanis have commented, there is no violation of IWT. Would China be willing to enter into such a treaty?

@BhaRAT ..then what are you fighting for

Thanks Modi to bring water to us Kashmiries, we were refused since many years. Water will bring electricity, life and business to the Kashmiries.

Power generated through this Hydro Power project will benefit people of Kashmir. Hope better sense prevails. Pakistan should engage in dialogue permit more dams so that , excess power can be purchased by Pakistan, instead of burning coal or oil for power plants from China

@Zak "we get the dam India spent money to build." then you should welcome the dam,why are you complaining to the world bank.

@Feroz :Obliged brother. Really I am happy to see comments like this

@riz1 The treaty is in favour of Pakistan which gets 80% of water. No where in the world, the lower riparian state gets so much of water. Hence it should be renegotiated.

@Shah do you have any proof of what are you talking,or are you like your leaders who only talk most of the time and do nothing to improve the lives of its people.

@Zak Wishful thinking!

Thanks Modi Ji for this power station in Kashmir. More Hydro Power stations are required for the betterment of Kashmir. No Harm to Pakistan. It is our territory.,

@Zak . Agreed Zak. Thats why we should be encouraging India to build more dams in IOK which anyway will be come part of Pakistan in the future. Saves us money time and effort and we get it free.

@BhaRAT Then why fight over Kishenganga Dam ?

@Zak bother how many times a county can be divided on religious line. You are already seeing the outcome of many countries who mainly focus on religious matters.

Stop negative publicity and appreciate the positive change this electricity will bring in the lives of Valley people.

@M. Emad - Yes, I support your views for fresh negotiation of the treaty.

Why can't Pakistan build dams instead of complaining? I believe hydro power is way cheaper than any other given source of power like nuclear, coal, gas etc. and also it is clean energy.

Water used in Hydro Power Generation will not get consumed or wasted. Almost the entire quantity will be available after power generation.

@Asifa It is nice that it benefits people. Also read "disempowering GB" article. Have a good day

@Shah please do so and result will be very shocking

@Farhan "India neither diverted water nor stored, all the water will keep flowing after electricity generation. Our leaders are incompetent to build dams and store the released water."- So obvious, so elusive.

@Zak "@Vijay B.. If India was wise, " Wishful thinking as always.

Fot indian national.interest is supreme. Accordingly India is taking every step.for the bettement of her people's progress and prosperity. Pakistan has involved in regional disputes and combatting a proxy war with her immediate neighbours. No plan for future. Pak China Economic corridor is nothing but increasing heavy dependency and undue reliance on China.

It appears that Pakistan either state or its subjects all.are busy in satsfying theirs personal interests by hook or crook!

Kala bagh dam was not built.because consensus and unanimity could not be achieved! Who cares?

India will not open any thing controversial but doing legally what is allowed in IWT.

@Faria Baloch - How you know this.. please present some facts?

I presume, Pakistani government & people shouldn't have an issue with this project as this project helps Kashmiris.

@riz1 Good idea

@Shah There is nothing like stealing water. The rivers originate in India. If needed India can change the water sharing treaty to suit her interests.