Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River

Project Approval and Background

• The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended in-principle approval for diverting 197 hectares of forest land for the 820 MW Kirthai-II hydroelectric project.
• Located on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, the site is a moderate to dense, high-mountainous forest area.
• Although recommended for environmental clearance in 2021, the project required in-principle forest clearance due to its location.

Strategic and Environmental Context

• Kirthai-II is the third hydroelectric project on the Chenab to receive approvals since the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The Centre aims to expedite stalled or proposed hydel projects in the Indus basin post-treaty suspension.
• Projects like Sawalkote, Dulhasti–II, Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai Stage I and II are planned on the Chenab River.
• Pakistan controls the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab under IWT, while India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Project Details and Environmental Impact

• Kirthai-II is a run-of-the-river project with a reduced capacity from 930 MW to 820 MW.
• A 121-metre-high concrete gravity dam will be constructed in Padder tehsil of Kishtwar district.
• The project will result in the felling of approximately 8,723 trees, including Pine, Silver Fir, Oak, and other species.
• The site is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including the Himalayan Tahr, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, and Asiatic Ibex.
• The FAC has mandated a wildlife biodiversity management plan and habitat management plan, including an animal passage plan.

Project Implementation

• To be executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd, a joint venture of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited.