India Advances Water and Power Projects in Jammu and Kashmir Amid Tensions with Pakistan
IWT In Abeyance, India Pushes Water, Power Projects In J&K: Salal Desilting On, Tunnel Plans Under Review
News 18
Image: News 18
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.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India has intensified its efforts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan while enhancing its own water resource management. A key decision has been to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, reflecting a firmer stance on cross-border terrorism. The Indian government is implementing various initiatives to improve water management and bolster hydropower infrastructure on the western rivers. Notably, desilting operations at the Salal reservoir have commenced, with plans to remove 40-50 million cubic metres (MCM) of silt annually over the next three to four years. This effort aims to enhance reservoir efficiency and storage capacity. Currently, NHPC operates 2,219 MW of hydropower capacity, with an additional 3,514 MW under construction. These projects are not only generating economic benefits but also providing 12% free power to the states hosting them, along with creating significant job opportunities, primarily for local residents. Furthermore, feasibility studies for two proposed tunnels are underway, essential for the broader infrastructure and water management strategy.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
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.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


