Ratle hydroelectric project gets a start, MoU exchanged between NHPC, J&K

Srinagar: The construction of a dam and a hydroelectric project — Ratle — on Chenab River which was for long caught in a dispute between India and Pakistan received a push as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was exchanged between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Department (JKPDD) and J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) on February 3 at Vijaypur in Samba district.

Plant expected to generate 3,136.80 million units

An official statement released by NHPC said that the project will have an installed capacity of 850 MW (4×205 MW + 1×30 MW) and will be able to generate 3,136.80 million units in a 90 percent dependable year. The expected completion cost of the project is Rs 6,215.61 crore. The construction of this project will enhance socio-economic and infrastructure development in the area besides generating employment opportunities, the press release said.

The dispute

Located in Kishtwar District of J&K, the Ratle Hydroelectric Project is a run-off-river/pondage scheme on Chenab River. The project is covered under the Indus Water Treaty 1960 between India and Pakistan. The construction of the dam was for long caught in a tussle between India and Pakistan, with the latter alleging that the construction was a violation of the Indus Water Treaty. However, in August 2017, the World Bank permitted India to carry on the construction.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Joint Secretary (Hydro) Aniruddha Kumar, NHPC CMD Balraj Joshi, among others. NHPC is a Category-A Miniratna Company under the Ministry of Power and has three projects (3800 MW) under construction, including a 1000 MW Pakal Dul project in J&K in a Joint Venture with JKSPDC.

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