India’s Ministry of Environment is considering clearances for several hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River, despite warnings from environmentalists about risks to the fragile Himalayan ecology.
Last week, a government panel approved the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, according to The Hindu. Earlier, environmental clearances were reinstated for the larger Sawalkote hydroelectric project on the same river.
These developments follow India’s unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident a claim Islamabad denies, calling the suspension “an act of war.”
Pakistan has raised alarms over abrupt changes in Chenab and Jhelum river flows, which have affected farmers in Punjab. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that the treaty remains valid according to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and cited UN concerns over India’s actions.
The Projects
The 1,856MW Sawalkote project has faced decades of delays due to forest clearance issues and IWT compliance. It remains in the pre-construction stage.
Dulhasti Stage-II, a 258MW run-of-the-river scheme, is designed to enhance efficiency of the existing 390MW Dulhasti Power Station. Estimated to cost around $35 million, it will require 60.3 hectares of land, including 8.27 hectares from two local villages, Benzwar and Palmar.
India is reportedly pushing ahead with multiple hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin, including Sawalkote, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai I and II.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists warn that these projects could exacerbate climate risks. The Chenab River, formed by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh, is a Western River under the IWT, allocated primarily to Pakistan. Studies indicate that between the treaty’s signing and 2004-05, glacial volume in the Chenab basin fell by 33.3%, threatening water security in both countries.
The South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People notes: “Glaciers and their slow water release in spring and summer are key to irrigation for 60% of the Indus basin. Their health is crucial for millions in India and Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman condemned India’s approval of Dulhasti Stage-II, calling it a “flagrant violation of the IWT” and accusing India of “weaponising water.” She highlighted that India is fast-tracking disputed projects, which she said could inflame tensions in an already strained bilateral relationship.
