Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project Overview
The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is a planned 1.8-GW scheme on the Chenab River. It has gained geopolitical significance, especially post the Pahalgam attack, which led to India unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This project is part of a larger hydropower corridor on the Chenab, which already includes Dulhasti, Baglihar, and Salal projects.
Environmental and Strategic Concerns
- Despite its strategic importance, the project raises environmental concerns such as:
- Ignoring the cumulative impact on sediment loads and slope instability.
- The proposed gravity dam will create a reservoir of over 50,000 crore litres, functioning closer to a storage dam rather than a run-of-river scheme.
- Rehabilitation costs are minimal, accounting for just 0.6% of total expenditure, even though it will affect nearly 1,500 families and divert 847 hectares of forests.
- The project's strategic timing reflects India's intent to utilize its entitlement over western rivers after the IWT suspension.
- Proceeding with large projects without cooperative mechanisms could lead to international scrutiny, particularly by Pakistan which has challenged the suspension's legality.
Recommendations for Future Actions
- Strategic infrastructure projects should balance ecological concerns with national security goals.
- There is a need for regional studies and protocols to manage sediment loads effectively.
- India should promote data transparency through regional or multilateral platforms to convert hydrological monitoring into a confidence-building measure.
Conclusion
The legacy of the Sawalkote project will depend on India's ability to balance strategic needs with ecological responsibilities, ensuring that national security and environmental stewardship reinforce each other.
