NEW DELHI, Oct 18: Pakistan-India talks on the Chenab water dispute will be held here on Oct 23 and 24 to address Islamabad’s concerns over the curtailing of water flows by New Delhi.

Talking to the media after arriving here on Saturday, Pakistan’s Water Commissioner Syed Jamaat Ali Shah said he would fly to occupied Jammu on Sunday for a visit to Baglihar dam site.

Leading a delegation of six members at the talks, Mr Shah will express Pakistan’s concerns over blocking of the Chenab water by India, which has caused damage to crops in Pakistan.

Indian Water Commissioner Aranganathan will lead his delegation to the talks.

Mr Aranganathan had extended an invitation to Mr Shah after President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his government’s anger to Indian premier during their meeting in New York last month.

Pakistan says it should receive a minimum of 55,000 cusecs water at Marala headworks at peak season, but it had received only 22,000 cusecs, forcing Islamabad to raise the issue with Delhi at the highest level.—APP

Our Lahore reporter adds: Mr Shah told newsmen before his departure to New Delhi that Pakistan could prove Indian tampering with Chenab water in August and September. He said Islamabad would accept only water as a compensation, and not money. “Indians will have to explain from where they have filled the dam, if not from the Chenab river,” he said.