Sawalkot Hydropower Project: Harnessing Chenab's Power

Sawalkot Hydropower Project Cleared by Centre

Synopsis

India’s environment ministry has granted clearance for the Sawalkot Hydropower Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. The 1,856 MW project, worth ₹31,380 crore, is a run-of-the-river scheme designed to utilize Chenab waters without altering its natural flow. With the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) currently suspended, India can proceed with such designs freely.

1. What is the Sawalkot Hydropower Project?

The project is a major run-of-the-river hydropower scheme on the Chenab River, generating 1,856 MW of electricity through multiple power units. It will utilize Chenab waters flowing through Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

2. How is the project structured?

The project will be executed in two stages:

• Stage 1: Six units of 225 MW and one unit of 56 MW (total 1,406 MW).
• Stage 2: Two additional units of 225 MW (total 450 MW).

3. What is the estimated cost and land requirement?

The total cost is ₹31,380 crore and it will cover 1,401 hectares — including 847 hectares of forest and 554 hectares of non-forest land. The submergence area will be 1,159 hectares.

4. What is the environmental clearance status?

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the MoEFCC approved the project after a detailed review. An independent environmental impact assessment will be conducted five years post-commissioning. ₹594 crore has been allocated for environmental management and pollution control.

5. How does this relate to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?

Under the IWT, India can use western river waters (Jhelum, Chenab, Indus) for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower generation. Following the treaty’s suspension after the Pahalgam terror attack, India can now design and construct hydropower projects more freely.

6. Which regions will benefit?

The project will benefit Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Batote, and Mahore districts through employment opportunities, improved power supply, and enhanced local infrastructure. Forest diversion includes reserve and revenue forest areas from Ramban and Batote divisions.

7. What about local and international objections?

A public hearing was completed by the J&K Pollution Control Board in 2016. No current litigations are pending. Although Pakistan had earlier raised concerns under IWT, India’s latest move comes amid the treaty’s suspension.