Why in News?
The Sawalkote dam project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, part of the Indus system, is back in focus as India seeks environmental clearance for its 1,865 MW hydropower project. The move comes after the Indus Waters Treaty went into abeyance, making the project a strategic priority.
Description:
Basic Details:
- Capacity: 2,185 MW (run-of-the-river project).
- Location: Chenab River, Ramban District, Jammu & Kashmir (UT).
- Status: Proposed; largest hydroelectric project in J&K and among the biggest in North India.
- Implementing Agencies:
- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd.
- Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).
- Estimated Cost: ₹22,704 crore.
- Dam Type: 192.5-metre roller-compacted concrete gravity dam.
- Annual Power Generation (Expected): ~7,000 million units.
Significance:
- Power security: Major boost to power availability in J&K, especially in winters.
- Energy surplus: Potential to make J&K power-surplus, with exports to the national grid.
- Water management: Regulates Chenab’s flow → better agriculture & domestic supply.
- Flood mitigation: Helps reduce downstream flood risks.
Link with Indus Waters Treaty (1960):
- Treaty Parties: India & Pakistan; mediated by the World Bank.
- River Allocation:
- Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Exclusive use by India.
- Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Primarily for Pakistan.
- India’s Rights on Western Rivers:
- Limited, non-consumptive use (domestic, navigation, flood control, irrigation within limits, hydropower).
- Hydropower allowed without altering flow.
- Water Share: Pakistan ~70%, India ~30%.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
- Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) – first level.
- Neutral Expert – for unresolved technical disputes.
- Court of Arbitration – for legal disputes.
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