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India Plans Increased Water Storage in Upcoming Jammu & Kashmir Hydro Projects

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced plans to increase water storage in future Jammu and Kashmir hydroelectric projects still in the planning stage. Existing projects will remain unchanged. The move follows India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, potentially allowing greater water retention and power generation in the region’s largest upcoming hydro developments.

India Plans Increased Water Storage in Upcoming Jammu & Kashmir Hydro Projects

India Eyes Enhanced Water Storage in Future J&K Hydroelectric Projects

India is poised to boost water storage capacity in new hydroelectric projects planned for Jammu and Kashmir, according to Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Speaking on Tuesday, Khattar emphasized that while upcoming projects may see increased storage, ongoing developments will proceed without any changes.

No Alterations to Existing Projects

Addressing the technical status of projects already under construction, Khattar clarified, “No modifications will be made to ongoing hydro projects as their specifications have been finalised.” Nonetheless, for projects still in the planning phase, India is exploring options to enhance both water retention and power generation capabilities.

Context: Indus Waters Treaty and Recent Developments

This strategic shift follows the Indian government's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after the militant attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The treaty traditionally restricts water storage capacities for hydro projects across the Indus river basin, but India’s new approach signals a move toward greater control over water resources in the region.

Upcoming Jammu & Kashmir Hydro Projects

Currently, four hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir have received Central Electricity Authority approval but have not yet broken ground. These are:

  • New Ganderbal (93 MW) on Sindh Nallah
  • Kirthai-II (930 MW) on the Chenab River
  • Sawalkot (1,856 MW) also on the Chenab
  • Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW) on the Jhelum River

All projects are currently designed as run-of-the-river, meaning they have minimal water storage. With the new policy, India is considering increasing reservoir capacities to enhance power output and water management efficiency.

Looking Ahead

The proposed adjustments signal a significant shift in India’s management of Himalayan river resources, especially as geopolitical tensions influence water-sharing agreements. Enhancing water storage in hydro projects could improve energy security while providing greater flexibility for flood control and irrigation.

As these developments unfold, the landscape of hydroelectric power in Jammu and Kashmir could see transformative change, balancing India’s growing energy demands and strategic interests.

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