January 6, 2026
JAMMU – Amid the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal, during a two-day visit here, reviewed the progress of hydroelectric projects being executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) in the Kishtwar, Reasi and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister visited three project sites in Kishtwar on Monday and directed officials to ensure the timely completion of the hydropower projects on the Chenab River, a key component of the Indus river system.
After visiting the 1000 mw Pakal Dul project, Manohar Lal wrote on X; “As one of the ambitious energy infrastructure projects in the region, the Pakal Dul Hydro Electric project will play an important role in the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir in the times to come”.
“During the inspection, an in-depth observation and detailed review of the power station’s operational status, safety arrangements, production capacity and technical activities was carried out in the company of senior officials”.
The Minister also inspected and reviewed the progress of the Kiru (624 mw) and Kwar (540 mw) hydroelectric projects after which he wrote on X; “Necessary directives were issued to the officials and engineers to ensure the completion of these two projects in accordance with high quality, safety standards and stipulated timeline”.
“These projects will not only establish a new benchmark in the production of green and renewable energy in Jammu and Kashmir but will also strengthen regional development and infrastructure, thereby creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local people,” said.
Manohar Lal, accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), arrived here yesterday to review the NHPC hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory of J&K.
Bhupendra Gupta, CMD, NHPC briefed the Minister on the progress of various NHPC Hydroelectric projects located in Jammu & Kashmir. The two-day visit includes inspections of projects located in the Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
The Minister visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project, where he was apprised of the ongoing works. He directed the NHPC to expedite the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Salal Power Station, located on the Chenab River in Reasi district, is undertaking sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), aimed at removing accumulated silt and maximizing optimal utilization of water resources.
During the visit to the Salal Power Station, the Minister undertook a plantation drive within the power station premises, underscoring the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. He also held discussions with the local administration and senior officials of various concerned departments to ensure coordinated efforts for timely execution of works.
Enroute to Kishtwar, Manohar Lal conducted an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (1856 MW).
Upon arrival in Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for the dam concreting works and encouraged the project team to complete the works in an effective and time-bound manner.