Khattar reviews Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar hydropower projects in Kishtwar dist
Power Minister urges officials to ensure timely completion while maintaining high standards of quality and safety
Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday reviewed the progress of major hydropower projects under construction on the Chenab river in the mountainous Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The two-day visit assumes significance as it comes after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 last year. In the aftermath of the attack, the flow of Chenab river waters to Pakistan was also temporarily restricted.
On the second day of his visit, Khattar inspected the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul hydropower project in Kishtwar. He carried out a detailed review of the project’s operational status, safety arrangements, production capacity and technical aspects, along with senior officials.
Describing Pakal Dul as one of the region’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects, Khattar said it would play a crucial role in the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years.
The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of the Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW) hydroelectric projects in the district. He issued necessary directions to officials and engineers to ensure timely completion of the projects while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
“These projects will set new benchmarks in green and renewable energy production in Jammu and Kashmir. They will also strengthen regional infrastructure and contribute to economic development by generating direct and indirect employment for local people,” Khattar said in a statement.
NHPC briefed the Minister in detail on various aspects of the three under-construction projects, following which the minister issued directions to commission the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026 and the Kwar project by March 2028, an official spokesman said.
The Minister also interacted with local residents and workers at various work sites and patiently listened to their issues during his two-day tour. After reviewing all the projects, he appreciated the personnel and workers for working under challenging conditions.
On Sunday, the Minister had reviewed the Sawalkot project in Ramban district, the Salal project in Reasi, and the Ratle project in Kishtwar.
The Central government is implementing multiple hydropower projects aimed at developing Kishtwar into a major power hub of North India, with a combined generation capacity of around 6,000 MW upon completion.
