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NHPC's Sawalkot Project to Boost Power by 800 MW, Says Minister Khattar

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the NHPC's Sawalkot hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir will generate 800 MW of electricity, contributing significantly to national power capacity. He noted the project, located on the Chenab River, had faced delays of about two to two-and-a-half years due to various obstacles but work is now underway. The project, originally conceived in the 1960s, saw tenders invited in July for its construction, with a total potential capacity of 1,856 MW. Its development is also a step toward optimizing India's use of Indus waters following the treaty's suspension after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Points: Sawalkot Hydro Project to Generate 800 MW Power: Khattar

  • 800 MW power from Sawalkot project
  • NHPC executing hydro project on Chenab River
  • Project faced delays of 2-2.5 years
  • Aims to optimize India's Indus water use
  • Tenders invited for 1,856 MW capacity
2 min read

NHPC to generate "800 MW power" from Sawalkot project: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announces NHPC's Sawalkot hydroelectric project in Jammu & Kashmir will generate 800 MW, enhancing national power capacity.

"By completing it on time, NHPC will generate 800 megawatts of electricity - Manohar Lal Khattar"

Kishtwar, January 5

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the Sawalkot hydroelectric project being executed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, in Jammu and Kashmir, will generate "800 megawatts" of electricity, contributing to the country's power generation capacity.

He also visited the Salal power project.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kishtwar, Khattar on Sunday said, "I came to Jammu and Kashmir for various projects. I visited the Salal Project 1 and 2, and also conducted an aerial survey of Sawalkot (hydroelectric project)."

He said all National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects in the region are progressing despite challenges.

"All our NHPC projects are underway. There were many challenges in this. The work has officially started today. There has been a delay of two to two-and-a-half years in starting this work because some obstacles came in carrying out this work," the Union Minister said.

He added, "By completing it on time, NHPC will generate 800 megawatts of electricity, which will make a significant contribution to the country's power generation capacity."

NHPC is developing the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in the Udhampur, Reasi, and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

In July, the centre had invited tenders for the construction of the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

NHPC released an official notification inviting e-tenders for the project originally conceived in the 1960s.

The last date for submission of online bids was September 10.

The project site is located near Sidhu village in Ramban district, roughly 120 km from Jammu and 130 km from Srinagar.

Construction of the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is a significant step toward optimising India's use of Indus water, given that the treaty remains suspended. The Indus Water Treaty was put in abeyance as one of India's strict actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the power generation is positive, I hope the environmental impact assessment for the Chenab river basin is thorough. These projects can disrupt local ecosystems and communities. Development must be sustainable and inclusive.
V
Vikram M
Good to see progress despite delays. 800 MW is significant. But the article mentions the project was conceived in the 1960s! This is the real story – why do infrastructure projects in India take so many decades to start? We need better project management and faster clearances.
P
Priya S
Harnessing our water resources for power is the right step. Especially important in the context of the Indus Water Treaty. We must utilize every drop of our rightful share of water for our nation's growth. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Hope the local people of Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur districts benefit directly – not just in temporary construction jobs but in long-term skill development and opportunities. Infrastructure should uplift the region.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the strategic angle mentioned. Optimizing Indus water use while the treaty is suspended sends a clear message. Energy projects in sensitive regions often have multiple dimensions beyond just power generation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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