Why in the News?
After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project.
About Sawalkote Hydro Project:
- Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir.
- River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters Treaty).
- Agency: Implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
- History: Proposed in the 1960s; delayed due to Pakistan’s objections, environmental issues, and red tape. Revived after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty post the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
- Status (2025): Forest clearance granted; tenders floated on 29 July 2025; declared a project of national importance.
- Timeline: 96 months post-clearance; expected commissioning by or after 2032.
Key Features:
- Type: Run-of-the-river (utilizes the natural flow and elevation drop of a river) hydroelectric project.
- Capacity: 1,856 Megawatts (8 × 225 MW + 1 × 56 MW).
- Dam: 192.5 m high, roller-compacted concrete gravity dam; reservoir holds 550 million cubic meters.
- Powerhouse: Underground, with Francis turbines.
- Cost: ₹22,704.8 crore (~2.6 billion United States Dollars).
| [UPSC 2009] Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?
Options: (a) Chambal Project * (b) Kosi Project (c) Damodar Valley Project (d) Bhakra Nangal Project |
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