Centre’s Green Panel Gives Nod to Dulhasti Hydel Power Project on Chenab: What It Means for India
Dulhasti Stage-II hydel power project has received environmental clearance from the Centre’s green panel for construction on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The approval was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee on hydel projects, paving the way for tendering of the 260 MW run-of-the-river project estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore.The Centre’s green panel has cleared the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydel Power Project on the Chenab river, marking a significant development in India’s hydropower expansion in Jammu and Kashmir. The approval was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on Hydel Projects under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change during its 45th meeting held earlier this month, officials confirmed on December 27, 2025.
This decision paves the way for floating construction tenders for the 260-megawatt run-of-the-river project, which is estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore and will be located in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Project Background and Strategic Context
The clearance for Dulhasti Stage-II comes against the backdrop of India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in April 2025, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.
As noted in the EAC meeting minutes, when the treaty was in force, the waters of the Chenab basin were shared between India and Pakistan under specific provisions. However, with the treaty now in abeyance from April 23, 2025, the Centre has accelerated multiple hydropower projects in the Indus basin.
These include major projects such as Sawalkote, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai I & II, reflecting a strategic shift in India’s approach to water and energy resources in the region.
Key Features of Dulhasti Stage-II Project
Dulhasti Stage-II is designed as an extension of the existing Dulhasti Stage-I Hydroelectric Project, which has an installed capacity of 390 MW and has been operational since 2007. The Stage-I project is operated by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC).
Key technical features of Stage-II include:
Installed Capacity: 260 MW (two units of 130 MW each)
Project Type: Run-of-the-river hydropower project
Water Diversion: From the Stage-I power station through a 3,685-metre-long tunnel with a diameter of 8.5 metres
Pondage: Horseshoe-shaped pondage for operational flexibility
Infrastructure: Surge shaft, pressure shaft, and an underground powerhouse
Expected Outcome: Additional clean energy generation and improved power availability in the region
Land Requirement and Local Impact
The total land requirement for the Dulhasti Stage-II project is estimated at 60.3 hectares. Of this:
8.27 hectares will be acquired as private land
The land will be sourced from two villages — Benzwar and Palmar — in Kishtwar district
Authorities have stated that land acquisition and rehabilitation measures will follow existing legal and environmental norms.
Why This Project Matters
The approval of Dulhasti Stage-II is important for several reasons:
Energy Security: It strengthens India’s renewable energy base through hydropower.
Strategic Significance: It reflects India’s evolving stance on Indus basin projects after the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Regional Development: The project is expected to boost infrastructure, employment, and economic activity in the Chenab Valley.
Environmental Clearance: Being a run-of-the-river project, it involves comparatively lower submergence than large storage dams.
Relevance for Competitive Examinations (UPSC, CSE, CDS, CAPF)
This development is highly relevant for UPSC Civil Services Examination, CDS, CAPF, and other competitive exams, especially under:
GS Paper II: India–Pakistan relations, treaties, federal issues
GS Paper III: Infrastructure, energy security, environmental governance
Prelims: Current affairs related to hydropower projects, Indus basin, and Jammu & Kashmir
Questions may focus on:
Run-of-the-river hydel projects
Indus Waters Treaty and its implications
Hydropower development in the Chenab basin
Role of environmental clearance mechanisms
Conclusion
The green clearance for the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydel Power Project on the Chenab marks a crucial step in India’s renewable energy push and strategic infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. With construction tenders expected soon, the project underscores the Centre’s intent to harness hydropower potential in the Indus basin while navigating changing geopolitical and environmental realities.
