News: As part of the Centre’s push to fast-track Indus basin infrastructure, the Union Environment Ministry’s expert panel has recommended environmental clearance for the 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II hydel project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
About Chenab River and Dulhasti Hydro-Power Project
About Chenab River
- Origin: The Chenab River originates from the confluence of two rivers, the Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in the upper Himalayas, located in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh.
- In its upper reaches, the river is also referred to as the Chandrabhaga.
- River course: From its origin, the river flows westward through the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, cutting through steep cliffs between the Siwalik Range to the south and the Lesser Himalayas to the north.
- It then takes a southwesterly turn, entering Pakistan and descending from the upland regions into the broad alluvial plains of Punjab province.
- In Pakistan, the Chenab receives the waters of the Jhelum River near Trimmu, before eventually merging with the Sutlej River, which is another tributary of the Indus River.
- It is the largest river in Himachal Pradesh in terms of water volume.
- Tributaries: The main tributaries of the Chenab River include: Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar and Lidrari.
About Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project
- The Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project is located on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Type: The project is being developed by NHPC Limited as a run-of-the-river hydroelectric scheme.
- The project will draw water from the Marusudar River through the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project.
- It has a proposed installed capacity of 260 MW.
- Dulhasti Stage-I Project: The Dulhasti Stage-I project has an installed capacity of 390 MW and was commissioned in the year 2007.
Other Hydroelectric Projects on the Chenab River
- The Chenab River basin currently has three operational projects, namely Dulhasti-I, Baglihar, and Salal.
- The Baglihar Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river project is Ramban district with an installed capacity of 890 MW.
- The Salal Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river project located in Reasi district with an installed capacity of 690 MW.
- The beneficiary states are U.P, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, H.P. Chandigarh & Rajasthan.
- Other projects such as Ratle, Kiru, and Kwar are presently under construction on the Chenab River.
