Govt’s Green Panel Clears Dulhasti Stage-II Hydel Power Project

The Union government’s environmental clearance mechanism has approved the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The approval marks a key step toward expanding hydropower capacity in the Indus basin and enables the floating of construction tenders for the project. The clearance comes at a time when India is accelerating infrastructure development in strategic river basins following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Approval by the Expert Appraisal Committee

• The project was approved by the Expert Appraisal Committee on hydel projects during its 45th meeting held earlier this month.
• The committee functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and its approval clears the way for issuing construction tenders for the project, which is estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore.

Indus Waters Treaty Context

• The committee noted that the Chenab River basin is shared between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty.
• However, it also recorded that the treaty stands suspended with effect from April 23, 2025.
• With the treaty currently in abeyance, the Centre is moving forward with multiple hydropower projects in the Indus basin to enhance domestic energy generation and water utilisation.

Technical Features of Dulhasti Stage-II

Key technical details of the project include,

• Installed capacity: 260 MW (two units of 130 MW each)
• Diversion of water from Stage-I through a 3,685-metre-long tunnel
• Tunnel diameter of 8.5 metres, forming a horseshoe-shaped pondage
• Underground powerhouse with surge shaft and pressure shaft
• Designed for efficient, low-impact run-of-the-river operation

The project is expected to contribute significantly to clean energy generation in the region.

Background of the Project

• Dulhasti Stage-II is an extension of the existing Dulhasti Stage-I Hydroelectric Project.
• Which has an installed capacity of 390 MW and has been operational since 2007.
• The new stage will add 260 MW of generation capacity and is designed as a run of the river project, utilising water discharged from the Stage-I power station to maximise efficiency without building a large reservoir.

Strategic and Energy Significance

• The approval of Dulhasti Stage-II strengthens India’s hydropower footprint in Jammu and Kashmir and supports the country’s broader push for renewable energy, energy security, and strategic infrastructure development.
• The project is also aligned with India’s efforts to utilize river resources efficiently while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Key Takeaways

• Dulhasti Stage-II hydel project of 260 MW has received environmental clearance.
• The project is located on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Approval was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee under MoEF&CC.
• The project is an extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I plant.
• It is a run-of-the-river project with an estimated cost of over ₹3,200 crore.
• The clearance comes amid suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Question

Q. The Dulhasti Stage-II hydel project is located on which river?

A. Jhelum
B. Chenab
C. Ravi
D. Indus