In a significant development, the Chief General Manager of Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd’s 850MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project issued a notice on 6th November 2023, outlining the challenges and disruptions faced by the project. The notice cites a lack of work culture among the project’s workforce, frequent work stoppages, instances of manhandling of MEIL staff, and protests by local influential individuals as factors contributing to irreparable losses and a tarnished reputation for the company.
As reported by The Chenab Times many times, the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, located in the Drabshalla area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been marred by a series of obstacles and controversies since its inception.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June 2013, and it has been a subject of contention between India and Pakistan due to allegations of violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan had sought a Court of Arbitration to resolve the disputes, while India preferred a Neutral Expert. The World Bank eventually allowed India to proceed with the project in August 2017.
The project’s history also includes several instances of suspension and delays. In July 2014, work was halted by GVK and subcontracted to L&T following protests by local youth, who alleged corruption in project management and a lack of job opportunities for local residents. In 2016, GVK Powers Ltd expressed its inability to resume work on the project. This led to further discussions and committee examinations, but progress remained elusive.
In November 2018, India decided to reactivate the project, citing Pakistan’s objections as invalid under the Indus Waters Treaty. In February 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged among NHPC Limited, Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Department, and J&K State Power Development Corporation for the execution of the project.
Fast forward to April 2022, when Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) signed a contract agreement for the turnkey execution of the 850-MW Ratle hydel project, signaling renewed hopes for its completion.
Despite the initial promise and enthusiasm for the project, the latest notice from the Chief General Manager of MEIL announcing the indefinite closure underscores the ongoing challenges it faces. It is a blow to the project’s prospects and the region’s hopes for increased power generation.
The Ratle Hydroelectric Project witnessed three inaugurations, with Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi each inaugurating it. The most recent re-inauguration was carried out by Narendra Modi during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, as reported by The Chenab Times.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
