Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold; Another Chenab Hydel Project Cleared

Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold; Another Chenab Hydel Project Cleared

Introduction

Following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) framework, the Union Government has cleared another strategically important hydropower project on the Chenab River in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The approval of the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II Hydroelectric Project highlights India’s increasing focus on harnessing the hydropower potential of the western rivers allocated under the treaty framework.The development gains significance in the context of India-Pakistan relations, strategic water utilisation, hydropower expansion and energy security.

What is the Recent Development?

A panel of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approved the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir.The approval came nearly two months after clearance for the 1,856 MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project in Ramban district on the same river.According to the report:

• The project is estimated to cost around ₹3,200 crore
• It is an extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I Project
• Water from Stage-I will be diverted through a separate tunnel
• More than 8 hectares of private land will be acquired from the villages of Benzwar and Palmer
• India has so far developed only around 3,482 MW hydropower capacity against an estimated potential of nearly 20,000 MW in Jammu & Kashmir on western rivers

Why is Chenab River Strategically Important?

The Chenab River is one of the three western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty, along with the Indus and Jhelum.Under the treaty:

Although the western rivers were allocated largely to Pakistan, India retains rights for:

• Non-consumptive use
• Run-of-the-river hydropower projects
• Limited irrigation
• Navigation and domestic usage

The present hydropower push reflects India’s attempt to utilise its legal entitlements more effectively.

Strategic Implications of the Project

Energy Security

The project can help improve electricity generation in Jammu & Kashmir and strengthen regional energy infrastructure.

Water Utilisation

India has long argued that it has not fully utilised its share of waters due to inadequate storage and hydropower infrastructure.

Geopolitical Significance

The project comes amid increasing strategic emphasis on western rivers after tensions in India-Pakistan relations and discussions surrounding the future of the IWT framework.

Regional Development

Large hydropower projects can contribute to:

• Employment generation
• Infrastructure development
• Connectivity improvement
• Industrial growth in hilly regions

Concerns and Challenges

Environmental Concerns

Hydropower projects in Himalayan regions face scrutiny due to:

• Fragile mountain ecology
• Landslide vulnerability
• Seismic sensitivity
• River ecosystem disruption

Rehabilitation Issues

Land acquisition from local villages could create concerns related to:

• Compensation
• Resettlement
• Livelihood security

India-Pakistan Water Tensions

Projects on western rivers often attract objections from Pakistan regarding design and storage specifications under the treaty framework.

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

Background

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the mediation of the World Bank.

Major Provisions

Significance

The treaty is often regarded as one of the most durable international water-sharing agreements despite repeated political and military tensions between the two countries.

Chenab River

Important Facts

Hydropower Potential of Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir possesses one of India’s largest untapped hydropower reserves because of:

• Steep river gradients
• Perennial Himalayan rivers
• Large river basins like Chenab and Jhelum

Major hydropower projects in the region include:

• Baglihar
• Salal
• Dulhasti
• Ratle
• Sawalkot
• Kiru

Major Hydropower Projects on Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir

Way Forward

India is likely to continue accelerating hydropower and storage infrastructure on western rivers to maximise lawful utilisation under the treaty framework. However, balancing:

• Strategic interests
• Ecological sustainability
• Local rehabilitation
• Regional diplomacy

will remain essential for long-term river basin management.

Updated - 29 December 2025 ; 08:02 AM |News Source - The Times of India