Why in NEWS
NHPC has started the tendering process for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project in Jammu & Kashmir, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project | Run-of-river hydro project on Chenab River in Ramban district, J&K |
| Chenab River | Western tributary of Indus; formed by Chandra and Bhaga rivers |
| Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) | 1960 agreement dividing rivers between India and Pakistan |
| NHPC | National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, India’s major hydro developer |
| Run-of-river project | Hydro power plant with minimal reservoir storage, relies on river flow |
Key Highlights of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,856 MW |
| Location | Sidhu village, Ramban district, J&K |
| River | Chenab River |
| Project Phases | Two-phase development |
| Cost | ₹22,704.8 crore |
| Land Diversion | 847 hectares of forest land (FAC in-principle approval granted) |
| Strategic Significance | Utilizes India’s share of Indus waters during treaty suspension |
| Treaty Context | India has rights over eastern rivers; Pakistan over western rivers |
In a nutshell
Mnemonic: “Chenab Charges Change”
Memory Tip: Sawalkote project on Chenab → Treaty frozen → India reclaims hydro control
Prelims Practice Questions
- The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is located on which river?
a) Jhelum
b) Ravi
c) Chenab
d) Sutlej - The Indus Waters Treaty grants Pakistan control over which set of rivers?
a) Beas, Ravi, Sutlej
b) Chenab, Jhelum, Indus
c) Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra
d) Chandra, Bhaga, Ravi - What type of hydroelectric project is Sawalkote?
a) Storage-based
b) Pumped-storage
c) Run-of-river
d) Tidal
Prelims Answer Key with Explanation
| Qn | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | The Sawalkote project is on the Chenab River in J&K. |
| 2 | b | As per IWT, Pakistan controls Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers. |
| 3 | c | It is a run-of-river project, using natural flow without large reservoirs. |
