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Source-This post on Ratle Hydroelectric Project has been based on the article “Govt diverts Chenab river water to expedite hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir” published in “Deccan Herald” on 29 January 2024.
Why in the news?
The government has announced diversion of Chenab river water through diversion tunnels to expedite the 850-MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir.
About Ratle Hydro Electric Project
1) Location-Ratle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW), is a Run of River Scheme located on River Chenab at village Drabshalla, district Kishtwar, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
2) Project developed by– Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL), which is a joint venture between Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
3) Features– It includes a 133 m tall gravity dam and two power stations adjacent to one another. The installed capacity of both power stations will be 850 MW.
About Chenab river
| Aspect | Details |
| Origin | It is formed by the union of two headwaters, Chandra and Bhaga. These headwaters rise in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Mouth | It flows through the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, then into the plains of Punjab, Pakistan, before ultimately flowing into the Indus River. |
| Tributaries | Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari. |
| Major dams | 1) Baglihar dam-near Ramban(Jammu & Kashmir) 2) Salal dam-near Reasi(Jammu & Kashmir) 3)Dul Hasti-near near Drabshalla in Kishtwar District 4)Pakal Dul Dam – a proposed dam on a tributary Marusadar River in Kishtwar District. |
NOTE-1) The Chenab river was called Asikni in the Rigveda.
2) Run-of-the-river project -They are hydroelectric systems that harvest the energy from flowing water to generate electricity in the absence of a large dam and reservoir.
UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news.
