In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and is accelerating water management and hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Desilting at the Salal reservoir has commenced, aiming to enhance water storage and efficiency, while new hydropower initiatives promise economic benefits and job creation for local communities.

• 01The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is currently in abeyance as India adopts a tougher stance on water security and terrorism.
• 02Desilting operations at the Salal reservoir aim to remove 40-50 million cubic metres of silt annually over the next three to four years.
• 03NHPC operates 2,219 MW of hydropower capacity on the western rivers, with an additional 3,514 MW under construction.
• 04Hydropower projects provide 12% free power to host states and create 5,000 to 6,000 jobs per project, primarily for local residents.
• 05Feasibility reports for two proposed tunnels are under review following completed survey work.

The ongoing hydropower projects and water management initiatives are expected to provide significant economic benefits and job opportunities for local communities in Jammu and Kashmir.