India’s Ministry of Environment has given environmental clearance for the 260 megawatt (MW) Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project. This exciting new development puts special emphasis on utilizing the waters of the Chenab River. It lies at the heart of the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The new project will be built in addition to the already existing 390MW Dulhasti Stage-I. This facility, built as a transit-friendly TOD prototype, has been in operation since 2007.
The Dulhasti Stage-II project would use water diverted from Stage-I through a 3.7-kilometer long tunnel. This tunnel would be used to supply a reservoir built exclusively for Stage-II. The rink project includes a 30.5-kilometer pressure shaft, a 16.3-km surge shaft and an underground powerhouse. It is to accommodate two turbines with a capacity of 130MW each, making it 260MW.
Project Specifications
The total area of land needed for the Dulhasti Stage-II project is 60.3 hectares. We will need to directly purchase 8.27 hectares from private landowners. This land is situated in the villages of Benzwar and Palmar, both of which are in the Kishtwar district. The proposed infrastructure reflects a thoughtful and integrated approach to optimize hydroelectric power generation potential and minimize land acquisition requirements.
The project operational framework is a savvy use of available resources. The new initiative capitalizes on the water discharge from Dulhasti Stage-I. Its aim is to promote energy productivity to increase the quantity and quality of energy produced while reducing environmental impacts. The project demonstrates India’s push to increase its renewable energy capacity and improve energy security.
Regulatory Context
As this project builds, we need to always remember that regulatory frameworks can have an outsized impact. They are deeply reductive in how much they dictate our development process. An expert appraisal committee has indicated that “the Indus Water Treaty stands suspended effective from 23 April 2025.” This development may have implications for water resources management in the region, particularly concerning cross-border water-sharing agreements with neighboring countries.
India’s commitment to a sustainable and renewable energy focused future could not be better exemplified than with the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project. The federal government is increasing hydroelectric power capacity. This move will drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels and advance our nation’s public energy goals.
Future Implications
The clearance of the Dulhasti Stage-II project is an important step toward strengthening hydroelectric generation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. As India continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, such projects are expected to foster local economic development and create job opportunities in the region.
