Washington, February 9:

A World Bank (WB) appointed ‘neutral expert’ will release his final ruling on February 12 on a dispute between India and Pakistan over Baglihar dam construction on Chenab river.

The dispute over the 450 MW hydroelectric dam in south Kashmir involves water flows to Pakistan, which says the project violates a 1960 World Bank-brokered water-sharing treaty.

The Indus Waters Treaty divided the Indus river between the two nations and bars India from interfering with the flow into Pakistan but allows it to generate electricity. The Chenab is one of the rivers comprising the Indus river system.

The expert, Raymond Lafitte was appointed by the World Bank on April 20, 2005, to resolve differences between the nations regarding Baglihar project.

“According to the provisions of the treaty, the decision of Lafitte on all matters within his competence is final and binding,” WB said.