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.
Strategic and Energy Importance of Chenab Dams
- 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.
About Chenab River
- 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.
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Important Dams on the Chenab River
| 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.
Important Upcoming Chenab Projects
| 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 |
Challenges in Harnessing Energy Potential
- 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.
Way Forward
- 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
8 May 2025
