SRINAGAR: The government has said that all three stages of the Chenani Hydro Power Project in Udhampur district, which were severely damaged during the heavy rains, flash floods and landslides of August 26, 2025, are expected to be restored and made operational by mid-2026.
According to official details, the Chenani Hydro Power Project (CHEP)-I, commissioned in 1975 with an installed capacity of 23.30 MW, had exceeded its operational lifespan of forty years and had already been working below capacity before the natural calamity forced a complete shutdown. The power house has remained non-functional since August 2025 due to extensive damage to its water conductor system and electro-mechanical machinery. Emergency restoration works have been completed, and a detailed assessment of damages is under way. Permanent restoration is expected to make the project operational by June 2026.
Similarly, the Chenani Hydro Power Project Stage-II, commissioned in 1996 with a capacity of 2 MW, has also remained shut since the same period. As it operates in cascade with CHEP-I, the shutdown of the main project cut off its water source. Restoration works for CHEP-II are proceeding alongside CHEP-I, and it is also expected to resume generation by June 2026.
The Chenani Hydro Power Project Stage-III, which was commissioned in 2002 with an installed capacity of 7.50 MW, also suffered significant damage from the August 2025 floods. The flash floods and landslides damaged its water conductor system, hydro-mechanical structures and electro-mechanical equipment. Temporary restoration works are currently under way, followed by a detailed damage assessment. This project is expected to resume operations by July 2026.
The government has said that detailed assessments of civil, hydro-mechanical, and electro-mechanical damages will be carried out to frame a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring and possibly enhancing the operational reliability and generation capacity of the projects.
The road connecting Nagulta to Pakhlai, which serves as an inspection route for the Chenani power stations, was earlier maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) but was transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD) following a No Objection Certificate issued in November 2021. However, the PWD did not maintain the road thereafter. Based on public representations, essential repair works were completed in 2024 at a cost of Rs 28.62 lakh, while an additional Rs 42 lakh has been provisioned this year for further repair and strengthening, pending approval by the Board of Directors.
The Power Minister said the rehabilitation initiative aims to ensure full restoration of the Chenani Hydro Power Project system and improve its operational efficiency once all stages resume production in 2026.
