India's Chenab shock to Pakistan: Centre invites tenders for Sawalkot mega dam

NEW DELHI: After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, the Central government has invited tenders for the construction of a mega dam on the Chenab River, a project that had been pending for 46 years. The move aims to complete the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project, which had been delayed due to objections from Pakistan. The tender has been issued by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

The step is seen as part of the government’s strategy to maximise the use of water allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty within India. Nearly three-fourths of the water that flows to Pakistan comes from rivers that originate in India and flow westward, with a major share from the Chenab River. More than 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the Chenab.

Sawalkot project worth Rs 5,129 crore

• Estimated cost: Rs 5,129 crore
• Will benefit Udhampur, Ramban, and Reasi districts
• Project to be completed in nine years
• Received environmental clearance in October last year
• Expected to ease the power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir and supply additional electricity to the national grid
• Will generate more employment opportunities, including in Jammu and Kashmir
• Will produce 1,856 MW of power in two phases
• 1,406 MW in first phase, 450 MW in second phase

Other projects in Chenab will be accelerated

• Pakal Dul (1,000 MW) and Kiru projects in Kishtwar are expected to progress by December
• Pakal Dul, being built at a height of 167 meters, will be one of the largest projects on the Chenab River
• It will also become one of the tallest dams in India
• Kwar project is scheduled for completion by March 2028
• Construction of the Ratle dam will also be expedited