Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River Receives Fresh Environmental Clearance

An apex committee of the Environment Ministry has granted a fresh environmental clearance to the 1,856 MW Sawalkote hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir. Located on the Chenab river in Ramban district, it is a run-of-the-river project. The project gained momentum following India's decision to suspend meetings of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. Originally proposed in 2017, the project's cost has escalated to ₹31,380 crore. It is expected to generate approximately 8,000 million units of electricity annually and will be executed by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd.

Key Points

  • The Sawalkote project is a major run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant on the Chenab river in J&K.
  • The project is part of India's strategy to utilize the full potential of eastern rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • NHPC Ltd. will be responsible for building and commissioning the project until 2061.
  • The project is expected to generate 8,000 million units of electricity annually with an installed capacity of 1,856 MW.

Exam Facts

  • The Sawalkote project is located in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The estimated cost of the project has risen from ₹22,000 crore to ₹31,380 crore.
  • The project was first accorded environmental clearance in 2017.

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All current affairs of 11 October 2025