China won146;t increase frequency of flood data

Moreover, it has also refused to commit to India8217;s requests to establish two more hydrological stations for the Brahmaputra river. Currently, China has a hydrological station for the Sutlej river and three stations on its side of the Brahmaputra. While China charges money for the data shared from its Sutlej station, it has been providing data from the other three stations for free.

In fact, China raised the issue of money involved in establishing two more stations. But, Government sources said India was not averse to paying the money for establishing these stations provided we get the data on time.

Sources confirmed that these issues had come up for discussion between the two sides during the expert-level meeting on water issues as part of preparations for Mukherjee8217;s visit.

During the discussions, India is learnt to have requested China to raise the frequency of flood related data sharing from every 12 hours to every three hours. In fact, India suggested that China continue sharing the data twice-a-day, but record it every three hours. But, sources said, the Chinese side did not accept the citing difficulties due to the tough terrain.