CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India is pushing ahead with the construction of four major hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River and its tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. This strategic move comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan following recent security incidents, including a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The projects under development include Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru, and Kwar, each designed to significantly boost the region’s hydropower capacity.
Chenab River Overview
The Chenab River originates in the snow-covered Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh and maintains a high discharge throughout the year, making it ideal for hydroelectric power generation. Formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers near the Baralacha Pass in the Lahaul and Spiti valleys, the Chenab flows over steep gradients, creating numerous loops and bends in its mountainous stretches.
Key Characteristics
Origin: Southwestern and northwestern slopes of the Baralacha Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Firm Hydroelectric Potential: Approximately 3,600 MW
Total Installed Capacity: About 11,400 MW
Watershed Coverage: Includes parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir
Major Tributaries
Upper Reaches (up to Kishtwar): Thirot, Sohal, Bhut Nallah, Liddrari, and Marusudar
Middle Reaches (between Kishtwar and Akhnoor): Kalnai, Neeru, Raghi, Bichleri, and Ans
Lower Reaches (in Pakistan): Tawi and Manawar Tawi
The Chenab watershed covers significant areas in Lahaul and Pangi tehsils of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh and extends into Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Jammu, and Rajouri districts in Jammu & Kashmir.
Key Hydroelectric Projects
Pakal Dul:
Capacity: 1,000 MW
Storage: First water storage project in the region, with a live storage capacity of 109 million cubic meters
Completion Target: September 2026
Estimated Cost: Rupees 8,112.12 crore
Ratle:
Capacity: 850 MW
Completion Target: November 2028
Kiru:
Capacity: 624 MW
Completion Target: September 2026
Kwar:
Capacity: 540 MW
Completion Target: December 2027
These projects will primarily utilize run-of-the-river technology, allowing for electricity generation without the need for extensive water storage, except for Pakal Dul, which provides significant storage capacity for better water resource management.
Impact Of Indus Waters Treaty
India has recently placed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance, citing national security concerns. This treaty, which governs water sharing from the Indus River system, has historically placed restrictions on India’s ability to fully utilize the water from the Chenab River. Suspending the treaty allows India to expedite the construction of these strategic hydroelectric projects.
Advanced Construction Technology
Modern construction techniques, including the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), are being employed for these projects. The first TBM for the Pakal Dul project was launched in July 2023, marking a significant technological milestone in tunnel construction for challenging geological conditions.
Geopolitical And Environmental Implications
While these projects are critical for India’s energy security, they also raise concerns about downstream water availability for Pakistan. Changes in water flow could have significant impacts on local ecosystems and agricultural communities. As a result, these projects are likely to remain a focal point of regional water disputes in the coming years.
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