India Revives Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project

• 31 Jul 2025

Source: TOI

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has initiated the tendering process  for the construction of the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. 

• It is a run-of-river project located on the Chenab River in Sidhu village, Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). 
  • Chenab (or Chandrabhaga river) is the largest tributary of the Indus River, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi, in Himachal Pradesh. 

 

• It will be developed in two phases with an estimated investment of Rs 22,704.8 crore, benefiting both J&K and India as a whole. 
  • The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has given in-principle approval for diverting 847 hectares of forest land for construction.  
• The project conceived over 40 years ago and considered of national importance aims to optimize India’s use of the Indus waters while the treaty remains in suspension. 
  • The IWT signed in 1960, divides the river systems between India and Pakistan. 
    • India has unrestricted access to the three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—while Pakistan is allocated the three western rivers—Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum.

Read More: Indus Water Treaty, Chenab River