Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project
Why in news?
The Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project, a 260 MW run-of-the-river extension on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, received environmental clearance from India's Ministry of Environment panel in late December 2025. This approval, granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee during its 45th meeting, enables NHPC to proceed with construction tenders for the ₹3,200 crore project.
About
The Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project is a newly approved 260 MW run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore. It extends the existing Dulhasti Stage-I project and was cleared in December 2025 after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Key Facts
- Location: Chenab River, Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Capacity: 260 MW (megawatts).
- Type: Run-of-the-river hydropower project (minimal reservoir, relies on river flow).
- Cost: Estimated at ₹3,200–₹3,277 crore.
- Approval: Cleared by the Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee in December 2025.
- Design: Water will be diverted from Stage-I via a 3.7 km tunnel (8.5 m diameter) into a pondage structure for Stage-II.
- Backdrop: Approval followed India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
Strategic Importance
- Energy Security: Adds renewable capacity to J&K’s grid, supporting local demand and national clean energy goals.
- Geopolitical Context: The Chenab basin was previously governed by the Indus Waters Treaty, which gave Pakistan rights over Chenab waters. With the treaty suspended, India has greater freedom to harness these waters.
- Regional Development: Expected to boost infrastructure, employment, and economic activity in Kishtwar.
Risks & Challenges
- Environmental Impact: Though run-of-the-river projects are less disruptive than large dams, tunneling and pondage construction may affect local ecosystems.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: Pakistan may contest India’s unilateral use of Chenab waters despite treaty suspension.
- Execution Risks: High-altitude terrain, seismic activity, and logistical challenges in Kishtwar could delay construction.
- Cost Overruns: Large hydropower projects often exceed initial budgets; monitoring is essential.
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