Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project | 13 Feb 2026

Source: IE 

Pakistan has officially requested information and consultations from India regarding the Sawalkot hydroelectric project on the River Chenab, invoking the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. 

• Treaty Status & Context: The development is significant as it comes after India reportedly placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in "abeyance" as a punitive measure following the Pahalgam terror attack. 
• Pakistan's Stance: The Pakistan Foreign Office asserted that "no unilateral actions" can alter the legal reality of the treaty and urged India to return to full treaty compliance and fulfill its obligations. 
  • Pakistan reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and international legal mechanisms mandated by the IWT. 
• Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project:  
  • Location & River: Situated on the Chenab River (a 'Western River' under the Indus Waters Treaty) in the Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir. 
  • Capacity & Type: It is a massive 1,856 MW project designed as a run-of-the-river scheme, utilizing the natural flow of the river with minimal storage. 
    • The project involves the construction of a concrete gravity dam with a reservoir. 
  • Status: Although initiated in 1984, it faced long delays and has now been declared a "Project of National Importance." 
  • Strategic Significance: It is expected to generate over 7,000 million units of electricity annually, making it one of India's largest hydro projects. 
• With the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, the project is strategically vital for enhancing India’s control and optimizing the potential of Western Rivers. 
• Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River: The Chenab River hosts the 390-MW Dulhasti project at Kishtwar, the 890-MW Baglihar project at Ramban, and the 690-MW Salal project at Reasi. These projects significantly contribute to the region's energy supply.