Jammu, Jan 9, 2026: India has accelerated the development of three key hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling a strong push to bolster power generation in the region amid ongoing tensions over the Indus Waters Treatywith Pakistan. The Union government recently kicked off construction of the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric project and reviewed progress on the Dulahasti Stage II and 1856 MW Sawalkot schemes, all located in the strategically significant Chenab river basin.

Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Construction Begins

On January 4, 2026, Union Power Minister Mohan Lal presided over a ceremony to commence concrete work at the Ratle project in Drabshalla, Kishtwar district. This marks the first major facility where construction has begun since India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a decision following a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April 2025 that killed 26 people, which India has attributed to Pakistan.

The Ratle project, a run-of-the-river hydropower plant on the Chenab River, is being executed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a joint venture between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd. (NHPC) and the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) Ltd. The facility is designed to generate 850 MW of electricity, making it a significant addition to India’s renewable energy capacity.

The Ratle project has been a point of contention historically, with Pakistan raising objections regarding pondage facilities under the 2010 approvals. By advancing the construction timeline, India is signaling its intent to assert sovereign control over hydropower development on the Chenab while balancing regional security considerations.

Dulahasti Stage II and Sawalkot Projects

Alongside Ratle, India has also reviewed the status of two other Chenab projects:

• Dulahasti Stage II (390 MW): Tenders for the second stage of the Dulahasti hydropower station have been floated, and the project received environmental clearance from the Centre’s Expert Appraisal Committee in December 2025. This project, also on the Chenab River, is expected to strengthen the region’s electricity supply and grid stability.
• Sawalkot (1856 MW): The Sawalkot hydropower dam, approved for environmental clearance in October 2025, is a massive project intended to generate nearly 1.9 GW of clean energy. Plans for its construction will be submitted to the Public Investment Board (PIB) in March 2026, which is responsible for approving large-scale government projects.

These projects are part of the broader Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited portfolio, which also includes the Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW) projects. Union Power Minister Lal has directed commissioning of Pakal Dul and Kiru by December 2026 and the Kwar project by March 2028.

Strategic and Energy Significance

The fast-tracking of these hydropower projects comes amid India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move justified by the government on the grounds that certain clauses of the treaty are outdated. Historically, the treaty allowed Pakistan to raise objections to India’s hydropower developments on the Indus river system, which feeds cross-border rivers crucial to both countries.

By expediting projects like Ratle, Dulahasti, and Sawalkot, India seeks to:

1. Enhance regional power security – With a combined capacity exceeding 5,000 MW from all projects in the Chenab Valley, these plants will significantly strengthen electricity supply in Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining northern states.
2. Assert strategic control over water resources – Accelerated development underscores India’s ability to harness riverine resources while limiting external objections to domestic projects.
3. Support economic growth and employment – Construction and commissioning of large-scale hydroelectric projects generate jobs and stimulate ancillary industries in the region.

Challenges and Considerations

While the projects promise substantial benefits, they also present challenges:

• Environmental and social impact: Large dams and run-of-the-river projects can alter local ecosystems and displace communities. Environmental clearance processes and rehabilitation plans remain crucial to mitigate long-term impacts.
• Technical complexity: Projects in the Chenab Valley face challenging terrain, high seismic activity, and extreme weather, necessitating robust engineering and risk management strategies.
• Geopolitical sensitivities: With the Indus Waters Treaty under suspension, these projects are likely to increase diplomatic tensions with Pakistan, which historically opposed certain storage and pondage facilities.

Government’s Push for Timely Execution

The Union government has underscored the importance of strict timelines for commissioning these projects. Lal’s directives reflect a clear commitment to expedite construction:

• Ratle: Construction underway as of January 4, 2026.
• Pakal Dul and Kiru: Commissioning by December 2026.
• Kwar: Commissioning by March 2028.

The government’s approach indicates a concerted strategy to combine energy development with national security objectives, especially in regions sensitive to cross-border tensions.

Conclusion

The fast-tracking of Ratle, Dulahasti Stage II, and Sawalkot reflects India’s determination to boost renewable energy capacity in Jammu and Kashmir, assert control over key water resources, and ensure energy security in a strategically significant region. As construction progresses, the government will need to balance technical, environmental, and diplomatic challenges while maintaining strict adherence to timelines.

These projects, collectively capable of generating over 5,000 MW, have the potential to transform the Chenab Valley into a renewable energy hub, providing both power for local consumption and surplus electricity for the northern grid, while contributing to India’s overall climate and energy goals.

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