Why in the News?
Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited has sought an extension of Environmental Clearance (EC) for its 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River, citing delays due to litigation and COVID-19. The proposal is under appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry.
About the Ratle Hydroelectric Project
- Capacity: 850 MW
- Location: Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
- River basin: Indus Basin
- Type of dam: Concrete gravity dam
Environmental Clearance Timeline
- Original EC granted: December 2012
- Initial validity: Up to 2022
- Extended validity for hydropower projects: Till December 11, 2025
- Extension sought due to:
-
- Court litigations between 2014–2021
- COVID-19 disruption (April 2020 to March 2021)
Current Legal Issues
- Case pending before National Green Tribunal
- Allegations of illegal muck dumping into the Chenab
- Petition filed by residents of Thathri
- Judgment reserved in December 2025
Prelims Pointers
- Ratle project is on the Chenab River
- Falls under the Indus Basin
- EC validity can exclude court stay and COVID periods
- Joint venture led by NHPC
- Under scrutiny of NGT
| [2009] The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers?
(a) Beas (b) Chenab (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej |
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