Hydropower project on Chenab gets clearance, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Sawalkote hydroelectric project on the Chenab river in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, received a fresh environmental clearance from the Environment Ministry.
• The project is a run-of-the-river project designed to generate 1,856 MW of power.
• The project is the first major hydropower project on the Indus rivers to be cleared after India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on April 23.
• The project's estimated cost has increased from ₹22,000 crore to ₹31,380 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended the project for environmental clearance after detailed deliberations on September 26.
• The project was initially approved in 2017 when the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) was in charge.
• In 2021, the JKPDC partnered with the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd., transferring project control to NHPC until 2061.
• The project received stage 1 forest clearance in September 2023, and approvals from the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Water Commission in July 2025.
• Public hearings under the Forest Rights Act were conducted from December 2022 to February 2023.
• The project is expected to generate about 8,000 million units of electricity annually.
• Suspension of the IWT and the plan to maximize the potential of the eastern Indus rivers have accelerated the approval process.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Run-of-the-river project: A hydroelectric system that utilizes the natural flow of a river without large water storage.
• Environmental Clearance: Approval from an environmental authority needed for projects that may impact the environment.
• Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): A water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan regarding the use of the Indus River and its tributaries.