Preparations underway to tighten the noose on Pakistan with the help of Chenab, work begins on these four powerful projects.

Chenab River Projects: India's strategy for Pakistan's water security is no longer confined to diplomatic documents or future plans. In the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, this policy is now manifesting itself in the form of concrete structures and rapidly progressing projects.

Chenab River Projects: India's strategy for Pakistan's water security is no longer confined to diplomatic documents or future plans. In the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, this policy is now manifesting itself in the form of concrete structures and rapidly progressing projects. The central government has issued clear instructions to complete four major hydropower projects being built on the Chenab River system within the stipulated timeframe, signaling that there will be no room for delay.

This direction became clearer after Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's recent two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. During this visit, he inspected several key dam sites, reviewed progress with officials, and made it clear that every project must now be completed on schedule. The government has directed commissioning of the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026, completion of the Kwar project by March 2028, and further acceleration of construction of the strategically important Ratle Dam.

Not just electricity, controlling the flow of water is also a big issue.

The Chenab River is a vital part of the Indus Basin system, which Pakistan considers its lifeline. The bulk of Pakistan's water resources come from western rivers that flow through India. Approximately 90 percent of the country's agriculture depends on this basin, and most of its dams, canals, and irrigation networks are powered by it. Simply put, a large portion of Pakistan's population depends on water that first passes through Indian territory.

For this reason, Pakistan closely monitors every Indian project on the Chenab. These projects are not limited to energy production, but also enhance India's ability to manage and time the flow of water, which is considered strategically important.

Pakal Dul: The largest and most important project in the Chenab basin

The most significant of these projects is the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project being built in Kishtwar district. With a 1,000 MW capacity, it is considered the largest hydroelectric project in the Chenab Basin. At approximately 167 meters high, this dam is also the tallest dam in India.

The most significant feature of Pakal Dul is that it is India's first large storage project on western rivers, meaning it can hold and control water to a certain extent. Built on a tributary of the Chenab River, the project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018. Currently, with the Indus Water Treaty considered practically inoperative, the government has set a target of commissioning it by December 2026. Once operational, it will provide India with additional capacity for power generation and water management.

Kiru Project: A key link in the chain of projects

Along with Pakal Dul, work is progressing rapidly on the Kiru Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district. This 135-meter-high dam is being built on the Chenab River and is designed as a run-of-the-river project.

Although it lacks large-scale water storage, its strategic importance lies in the fact that it is part of a chain of other projects being built up and down the Chenab. The government has also set a deadline of December 2026 for the Kiru project, indicating that both Pakal Dul and Kiru are planned to be operational almost simultaneously.

Quarry Project: Deadline set after engineering milestone

The third key pillar of this strategy is the Kwar Project, located on the Chenab River. It is a 109-meter-high run-of-the-river project. In January 2024, a significant engineering milestone was achieved for the project when the Chenab River was successfully diverted for construction.

This move has been particularly critical of Pakistan, as river diversions are always considered sensitive. Now, the central government has set a clear target of completing the project by March 2028.

Ratle Dam: Most controversial but strategically important

The Ratle Hydroelectric Project is considered one of the most controversial projects being built on the Chenab River. With an 850 MW capacity, the project involves the construction of a 133-meter-high dam. Pakistan has long objected to its design, particularly the spillway structure.

The foundation stone for the project's concrete work was laid during a recent visit by the Power Minister, clearly indicating the government's intention to move forward rapidly. The Chenab River was diverted through tunnels in 2024, and current estimates suggest the Ratle Dam could be completed by 2028.

Dulhasti Stage-2 also moved forward, objections rejected by India

In addition to these major projects, India is also pursuing the Dulhasti Stage-2 project on the Chenab. This project was approved by the Ministry of Environment's committee in December 2025. It will be built after Dulhasti-1, which is already operational.

Pakistan objected to this approval, saying that it was not informed about it, but India rejected this claim and clarified that all the steps were taken as per the rules.

News is originally taken from: https://bit.ly/44YiPuU

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