India fast-tracks mega Chenab dam project as Indus Waters Treaty put in abeyance
PTC News Desk: Following suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, the Centre has accelerated work on a major hydroelectric project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir.
State-run power company National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has issued a Rs 5,129 crore tender for building the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
The project will be built on the Chenab River and is planned to produce 1,856 MW of electricity, making it one of the biggest hydroelectric projects in the region.
The move is seen as part of India’s plan to make better use of river water allocated to it under the Indus water agreement. The bidding process for building the dam, tunnels and related work will start on March 12 and end on March 20. The bids will remain valid for 180 days. The project is expected to take 3,285 days to complete, meaning construction will continue for several years.
The Sawalkot project has been planned for a long time, but it is now getting renewed attention due to changing geopolitical conditions and India’s focus on using its share of river water more effectively. Once finished, the project is expected to increase power supply in Jammu and Kashmir and support the national electricity grid.
Officials said the project will also create jobs and improve infrastructure in Ramban district, where most of the work will take place. India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in April last year after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, leading to increased tensions between the two countries.
Under the 1960 treaty, India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — while Pakistan mainly uses water from the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — though India has limited rights to use water from the western rivers.
- With inputs from agencies
