Context: 

Recently, the Government of India has decided to fast-track the construction of four key hydroelectric projects in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan and follows India’s move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 tourists.

Overview of the Projects

The four projects—Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW)—are all situated on the Chenab River and its tributaries. They are being implemented by NHPC Ltd, a government-owned hydropower developer, along with its joint ventures.

Key Features

• Pakal Dul: With a live storage capacity of 109 million cubic meters (mcm), Pakal Dul will be the largest hydropower project in Jammu and Kashmir and the only one among the four designed as a water storage project.
• Ratle: This run-of-the-river project will have a 24 mcm storage capacity.
• Kiru: Will store 10.5 mcm of water.
• Kwar: Has a planned storage capacity of 9.2 mcm.

Timelines for Completion

According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA):

• Pakal Dul and Kiru are expected to be completed by September 2026.
• Kwar by December 2027.
• Ratle by November 2028.

Strategic Significance

India’s decision to accelerate these projects is not merely an infrastructure initiative but a geopolitical maneuver. The Chenab River, part of the Indus River system, flows from India into Pakistan. Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, India is allowed limited usage of the Chenab’s waters. However, run-of-the-river projects are permitted with certain constraints.

Economic and Regional Impact

Beyond strategic implications, these hydro projects are expected to:

• Significantly boost power generation capacity in the region.
• Create employment opportunities during construction and operation phases.
• Stimulate the local economy of Kishtwar and adjacent areas.
• Strengthen the power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing its reliance on imported electricity.

About Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

The IWT is a water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, with mediation by the World Bank, governing the use of waters from the Indus River system.

The Treaty divides the Indus River system into:

• Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — allocated for India's exclusive use.
• Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — allocated to Pakistan, though India is allowed limited usage under specific terms.

India is permitted non-consumptive uses of Western Rivers, including:

• Domestic use
• Non-consumptive use (e.g., navigation, flood control, fishing)
• Agricultural use
• Hydroelectric power generation, under conditions that do not significantly alter river flow

Dispute over water usage:

The Treaty provides a three-tiered dispute resolution mechanism:

1.       Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): First level for addressing disputes through dialogue.

2.      Neutral Expert: For technical disputes where the PIC fails to resolve the issue.

o    Appointed jointly by India and Pakistan or by the World Bank if they disagree.

3.      Court of Arbitration: A 7-member tribunal handles legal disputes not resolved at previous levels.

Conclusion

The Centre’s decision to fast-track these four hydroelectric projects marks a turning point in India’s water and energy strategy, especially in the sensitive Indus basin. As construction accelerates and diplomatic temperatures rise, the projects symbolize India’s intent to exercise its treaty rights more assertively while also driving development in a historically underdeveloped region.