India Rejects Pak Demand For River Waters

NEW DELHI, July 15 (UNI)—India today categorically rejected Pakistan’s demand for waters from eastern rivers for its Ganges Barrage Project. On the first day of the Farakka Barrage talks between the two countries India told Pakistan today that the project, likely to cost over Rs. 450 crores, was a “most unrealistic scheme.” Today’s Secretary-level discussions, eighth in a series of talks between the two countries, were limited to preliminary remarks by the two sides. The talks follow an earlier agreement between Pakistan President Ayub and Prime Minister Nehru suggesting a cooperative approach for the solution of problems relating to the eastern rivers. The head of the Indian delegation, Mr. Mathrani, Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Irrigation, in his welcome address to the Pakistan delegation headed by Mr. A.G.N. Kazi, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Natural Resources, referred to the unsatisfactory” progress made in the talks so far.