Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal is on a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir to review the progress of key hydroelectric projects being executed by NHPC Limited. The visit underscores the Government of India’s focus on strengthening hydropower generation, optimising water resources, and accelerating infrastructure development in the Union Territory.
Arrival in Jammu and Project Briefings
The Power Minister arrived in Jammu accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power. He was briefed by Bhupendra Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, NHPC, on the status of ongoing and upcoming hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
The two-day review includes inspections across Reasi, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts, which host some of India’s most strategically important hydropower assets.
Salal Power Project: Focus on Sediment Removal and Sustainability
On Day One, the Minister visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project located on the Chenab River in Reasi district. He reviewed ongoing works and directed NHPC to expedite sediment removal operations from the Salal reservoir to maximise the optimal utilisation of water resources.
The sediment removal activity has gained renewed importance following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), enabling enhanced reservoir management and operational flexibility. During the visit, the Minister also undertook a plantation drive within the project premises, reiterating the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
He further held discussions with local administration and senior officials of concerned departments to ensure inter-agency coordination and timely execution of project activities.
Aerial Inspection of Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project
While travelling towards Kishtwar, Shri Manohar Lal conducted an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (1,856 MW), one of the largest hydropower projects planned in the region. The inspection provided an overview of site conditions and progress, reflecting the government’s emphasis on close monitoring of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Foundation Stone Laid
Upon arrival in Kishtwar, the Power Minister visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for dam concreting works—a key milestone in the project’s execution. He encouraged the project team to complete construction in a time-bound and efficient manner, highlighting the strategic importance of Ratle in enhancing hydropower capacity and grid stability.
Strategic Importance of Hydropower in J&K
The review of Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle projects reflects the central government’s strategy to leverage Jammu & Kashmir’s hydropower potential for energy security, regional development, and economic growth. These projects are expected to play a crucial role in clean energy generation while supporting local employment and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The first day of Union Power Minister Manohar Lal’s visit to Jammu & Kashmir marked significant progress reviews and key interventions at major NHPC hydroelectric projects. With a focus on sediment management, timely execution, sustainability, and strategic oversight, the visit reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to accelerating hydropower development and optimising natural resources in the Union Territory.
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Source: PIB
