“Kishtwar is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s energy security,” reports The Chenab Times. “From the operational Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project to the upcoming Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar projects, Kishtwar’s rivers are emerging as a cornerstone of renewable energy generation.”
Kishtwar, a district in Chenab Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir, holds immense potential to generate electricity from the Chenab River, a resource The Chenab Times has closely tracked for its transformative impact. The district is home to several under-construction power projects, alongside the operational Dul Hasti project, active since 2007. The Chenab River’s extensive reach across the region offers significant electricity generation potential. According to data gathered by The Chenab Times, hydroelectric projects like Dul Hasti and the forthcoming Pakal Dul collectively promise thousands of megawatts of power. Key initiatives—Pakal Dul, Kiru, Ratle, Kwar, and Kirthai—are currently under construction, positioning Kishtwar as a vital contributor to India’s energy security. These developments signal a future of economic growth and infrastructure upgrades, with Kishtwar on track to become a major electricity producer in northern India. While its rise as a renewable energy leader is a future prospect, The Chenab Times finds its current trajectory noteworthy. Plans also indicate that these projects will supply power to other states, potentially establishing Kishtwar as India’s “Power Hub” upon completion.
Kishtwar’s Hydropower Boom: Growth vs. Local Challenges
The Dul Hasti power project, operational for 18 years since April 2007, stands as one of Kishtwar’s earliest hydroelectric plants, boasting a 390 MW capacity. Managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), it feeds the northern grid, serving Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir, where it meets a substantial portion of local demand, as confirmed by The Chenab Times research.
Among the upcoming projects, Pakal Dul, currently under construction, is slated to generate 1,000 MW and is expected to be completed by 2026. The Ratle hydroelectric plant will contribute 850 MW, while smaller-scale projects like Kwar, Kiru, and Lower Kalnai are projected to add 1,212 MW combined. The Chenab Times notes that Pakal Dul and Ratle stand out as flagship projects, with their capacities underscoring Kishtwar’s growing role in India’s energy sector and their potential to boost the region’s economy.
The Ratle project, in particular, promises broader benefits. According to a brochure from its constructing company, GVK, reviewed by The Chenab Times, it aims to spur economic and social development through employment and improved living standards. The project has allocated Rs. 110 crore for Project Affected Families (PAFs), covering resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R), infrastructure, skill development, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. However, The Chenab Times observes that many rural households opt to relocate to urban areas with their compensation rather than resettle locally, driving migration toward Kishtwar’s urban outskirts.
Why Are Rural Youth Missing Out on HEP Jobs?
GVK’s brochure, analyzed by The Chenab Times, states that employment hinges on “skill and availability.” With a largely low-skilled workforce in Kishtwar, local youth face slim prospects of securing jobs in these hydroelectric projects (HEPs), where skilled non-local workers are often preferred. To address this, the brochure highlights CSR-funded vocational training and skill development programs, though their impact remains to be fully assessed.
Economic progress, The Chenab Times finds, depends on project developers ensuring fair compensation under R&R plans and prioritizing local benefits. As Kishtwar gears up to lead in hydroelectricity, calls for subsidized or free electricity for locals have emerged, reflecting concerns over the loss of ancestral lands for national development.
Kishtwar: A Key Player in India’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Hydroelectric projects are vital to national economies, supplying power across regions. On January 3, 2023, Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) signed a 40-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited for 850 MW from the Ratle project, The Chenab Times reports. Various political headlines, in my view, describe this deal as ‘loot’ and ‘robbery,’ though company officials have defended its terms.
Selling surplus power to other states could bolster Kishtwar’s economy, but The Chenab Times emphasizes that local electricity needs must first be met. According to an official as quoted by The Economic Times, “The surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilized for other parts of the Union Territory but will also be sold to other states.” Amid such agreements, scrutiny of their terms is essential to ensure fairness, especially given the criticism of the Rajasthan PPA.
With multiple HEPs underway, The Chenab Times stresses the need for vigilant oversight. Each project and agreement shapes Kishtwar’s path toward becoming a recognized “Power Hub,” a vision rooted in both opportunity and accountability.
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Ayaan Saroori, a dynamic school student and celebrated author, contributes thought-provoking pieces to The Chenab Times. Recognized for his impactful book “Drug: A Risk For Teens,” Ayaan is a passionate advocate for addressing youth issues. His insightful perspectives and dedication have earned him acclaim at various events, making him a promising voice in the realm of teenage literature.
