Amid browbeating by Pakistan over the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty post-Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year, India has fast-tracked hydropower projects over the Chenab River, officials said.
The chairman and managing director (CMD) of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPCL), Bhupender Gupta, along with director projects Sanjay Kumar Singh, conducted a high-level three-day review of ongoing works at Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar hydropower projects over Chenab river, said a top official of the Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited.
“Since July 6, Bhupender Gupta and Sanjay Kumar reviewed progress at the three hydroelectric projects. On July 7, Kwar hydroelectric project marked another significant step with the commencement of the erection work of the draft tube elbow of Unit 4,” said the official.
During the visit, Gupta inaugurated the 40R steel truss bridge at the TRT outlet, which will pave the way for commencing construction of the TRT outlet works, the official informed.
“A key milestone was achieved during the visit with the successful lowering of the runner for Unit 2 in the presence of the dignitaries, marking another significant step towards the project’s timely completion,” said the official.
{{/usCountry}}“A key milestone was achieved during the visit with the successful lowering of the runner for Unit 2 in the presence of the dignitaries, marking another significant step towards the project’s timely completion,” said the official.
{{/usCountry}}Appreciating the steady progress made so far, Gupta commended the project team for their efforts.
“During inspection of Pakal dam, the project team was directed to ensure reservoir filling commences from December this year and the status of all ongoing works was critically reviewed,” said the official, adding that concerned agencies were instructed to expedite the work.
On July 7, an exhaustive review meeting was held with key representatives of the contractor to address pending issues, strengthen coordination, and ensure seamless execution. Every technical aspect of the projects was analysed, said the official.
Since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India has made steady progress on four ongoing hydel power projects over Chenab river and it’s tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir and they are likely to be commissioned in 2027-28.
These projects--Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW)--are being implemented through joint ventures between NHPCL and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones of Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar hydel power projects on May 19, 2018, February 3, 2019 and April 22, 2022, respectively.
Put together, the three projects have a total capacity of 3,014 MW of hydel power.