India's Chenab Dams And Hydropower Push

Recently, India halted Chenab water flow via Salal and Baglihar dams after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack in Pahalgam.

Hydropower Potential in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated hydroelectric potential of over 20,000 MW.
Of this, over 11,000 MW is considered economically viable, with much of it centered in the Chenab basin.
Jammu and Kashmir has 15 large dams, with four major ones Salal, Aalal, Baglihar, and Dul located on the Chenab River, which drains the Pir Panjal and Jammu hills.
Despite Pakistan’s control over the Chenab under the Indus Waters Treaty, India is permitted to build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects like Salal and Baglihar for non-consumptive use and power generation.

These projects strengthen India’s strategic upper riparian rights under the IWT while boosting local and national energy security.
They also serve as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s perception of water insecurity and potential diplomatic leverage.

Origin : The Chenab River originates at Tandi in Himachal Pradesh from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
- It flows northwest through Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir before entering Pakistan.
Tributaries and Distributaries: Major tributaries include the Marusudar, Jhelum, and Sohan rivers.
- It eventually merges with the Sutlej River in Pakistan, which later joins the Indus.
Significance: Chenab is vital for agriculture in the Chenab Valley and supports multiple hydropower projects
- It also sustains ecological diversity and aquatic life.
Challenges and Conservation: The river faces water-sharing disputes, ecological degradation, and challenges from dam construction.
Cultural Importance: The Chenab features in local myths and flows past historic temples and forts, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.

Dam Name	Location (District)	Type	Commissioned	Height	Installed Capacity	Storage Capacity	Special Features
Salal Dam	Reasi	Run-of-the-river	1987–1995 (in stages)	~113m*	690 MW (6×115 MW)	Moderate (exact not specified)	First major dam on Chenab post-IWT
Baglihar Dam	Ramban	Run-of-the-river with storage	2009	143 m	450 MW (Stage-I)	Gross: 428.28 MCM Live: 31.11 MCM	High-altitude project with desilting capacity
Dul Hasti Dam	Kishtwar	Run-of-the-river	Early 2000s	~70 m*	390 MW	Limited (run-of-the-river type)	Remote, high-risk project with strategic value

*Estimated values where official data is not explicitly provided.

Project Name	Location (District)	Type	Installed Capacity	Key Features	Current Status
Pakal Dul	Kishtwar	Storage-cum-hydropower	1,000 MW	167m-high concrete-face rockfill dam	Under construction; critical for energy and water storage
Kiru	Kishtwar	Run-of-the-river	624 MW	Developed by CVPPL; aligned with IWT guidelines	Under development; progressing steadily
Ratle	Kishtwar	Run-of-the-river	850 MW	Initially stalled; revived via NHPC–J&K joint venture	Construction resumed after long delay due to legal/political issues

Geopolitical Constraints: The Indus Waters Treaty limits storage capacity and dam design features.
Environmental Concerns: Seismic sensitivity and fragile ecosystems challenge large infrastructure in the Himalayan region.
Delayed Clearances: Many projects face prolonged forest, environmental, and inter-agency approvals.
Security and Conflict Zones: Proximity to the LoC increases project risk and construction costs.

Treaty Reassessment: India may seek to renegotiate or reinterpret IWT provisions amid changing geopolitical realities.
Sustainable Development: Prioritize environmentally sound construction and local participation to avoid displacement.
Investment and Fast-tracking: Expedite ongoing projects and attract private sector investment under public-private partnership models.
Regional Integration: Leverage power-sharing with neighbouring states and grid integration to maximize output efficiency.

Additional Reading: IWT

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