India just made a courageous step to dramatically increase the country’s hydropower capacity. The recent approval of the 260MW Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project is a positive move. From the serene valleys of Kishtwar, this ambitious initiative finds its rapid roots in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It would help realize the region’s hydropower potential and intensify India’s energy diversification initiatives.
It would be an exciting project to build on the Chenab River. It would utilize the water diverted from the currently operational Dulhasti Stage-I through a 3.7 kilometer long tunnel. Dulhasti Stage-II has two of these super-modern turbines with capacity of 130MW each. It incorporates essential infrastructure such as a pressure shaft, a surge shaft and an underground powerhouse.
Project Details and Capacity
The Dulhasti Stage-II project is one of the most mammoth projects with mind-boggling capacity of 260MW. This expansion follows the success of the existing operational 390MW Dulhasti Stage-I, which has been generating electricity since 2007. The project purpose is to get exclusive use over 60.3 hectares of land. Of this, 8.27 hectares will be from private land in the villages of Benzwar and Palmar.
This ambitious initiative is the cornerstone of India’s civilizational strategy to utilize the country’s vast hydropower potential. It is especially seeking to address the steep, rugged landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is one of the last great untapped resources. They can have an important role in helping the country meet its growing demand for energy and in fostering sustainable development.
Environmental Considerations and Authorisation
The Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project got approval from India’s Ministry of Environment. This authorization serves as an indication that the project has gone through all federal environmental requirements and regulations. Beyond the depths of programmatic minutiae, the regulatory approval process spotlights the government’s obligation to respect the environment alongside federal responsibility for energy production.
The Expert Appraisal Committee recognized the significance of this project in the context of water-sharing agreements between India and Pakistan. They stated, “the Indus Water Treaty stands suspended effective from 23 April 2025.” This seemingly innocuous remark illustrates the geopolitical dynamics and implications at play in the development of hydropower in this precarious and sensitive region.
Future Implications
Completion of Dulhasti Stage-II project will enhance India’s energy security. It will boost local economies by both creating jobs and leveraging more infrastructure development. Before the end of the project, it is expected to act as a template for more hydropower projects to come throughout J&K.