by Ayaan Saroori
The fair allocation of power is imperative, and the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, whose resources drive these projects, must be the primary beneficiaries.
Kishtwar is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s energy security. From the operational Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project to the ambitious Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar ventures, the rivers coursing through this district are transforming it into a formidable powerhouse of renewable energy.
Nestled in the Jammu and Kashmir region, Kishtwar holds immense potential for electricity generation, drawing power from the mighty Chenab River. The district has become synonymous with numerous hydropower projects, one of which has been operational since 2007. The vast expanse of the Chenab through this terrain makes it an ideal source of hydroelectricity, a resource that contributes significantly to India’s energy grid.
From the already functional Dul Hasti to the under-construction Pakal Dul, these projects can generate thousands of megawatts, reinforcing the district’s reputation as an energy hub. Currently, several hydroelectric projects, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Ratle, Kwar, and Kirthai, are in various stages of construction. Their completion will not only propel Kishtwar towards greater development but also establish it as a cornerstone of India’s energy security strategy.
As Kishtwar evolves into a major electricity generator in northern India, its economy and infrastructure must keep pace with this transformation. While its emergence as a key player in India’s renewable energy sector is still unfolding, its present trajectory is undeniably significant. Once the ongoing projects are completed, the district is expected to supply electricity to other states, cementing its position as a “Power Hub” of the nation.
For the past 18 years, the Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Project has been a vital contributor to India’s power sector. Commissioned in April 2007, this plant, with a capacity of 390 MW, is one of the region’s oldest and is operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). It channels electricity to the northern grid, catering to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh, while also fulfilling a substantial portion of Jammu and Kashmir’s energy demands.
Among the upcoming hydroelectric projects, the Pakal Dul plant stands out as a game-changer. Once completed in 2026, it will generate an impressive 1,000 MW of electricity, making it a linchpin in India’s renewable energy ambitions. The Ratle Hydroelectric Project, another significant endeavour, is expected to produce 850 MW. In addition to these large-scale ventures, smaller projects such as Kwar, Kiru, and Lower Kalnai will collectively contribute 1,212 MW, further enhancing the region’s power capacity.
The proposed generation capacity underscores Kishtwar’s growing prominence in India’s energy landscape, with Pakal Dul and Ratle standing as flagship projects. Their successful implementation is expected to bring about transformative economic and developmental changes in the region.
The Ratle project, in particular, is anticipated to be a crucial asset in power generation. According to the project plans outlined by the construction company GVK, its completion will not only bolster the region’s electricity supply but also drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and create employment opportunities. With promises of enhanced quality of life and broader socio-economic benefits, Kishtwar’s hydropower boom is set to reshape its future, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the local populace.
The economic transformation of Kishtwar is unfolding alongside the surge in hydropower projects, marking a pivotal shift in local livelihoods. Official documents indicate that a sum of ₹110 crore has been allocated for the benefit of Project-Affected Families (PAFs), covering rehabilitation and resettlement plans, infrastructure development, skill enhancement initiatives, and corporate social responsibility programmes.
Despite the compensation provided for displacement, many rural households opt to relocate to urban areas rather than rebuild their lives in villages. This trend is particularly visible on the outskirts and peripheries of the district headquarters, where migration has reshaped the social and economic landscape. The compensation and displacement schemes, while offering financial relief, have also altered traditional settlement patterns, prompting a gradual urbanisation of the affected communities.
Yet, the promise of economic upliftment remains uneven, particularly in employment opportunities within the hydropower projects. The official project brochures assert that recruitment will be based on “skill and availability.” However, with a limited pool of skilled workers in the region, the likelihood of local youth securing employment remains low. The preference for non-local labour, owing to higher skill indices, has deepened frustrations among the local workforce. Although the project documents highlight vocational training and skill development programmes under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), their effectiveness in bridging this employment gap remains questionable.
Economic progress, however, is only sustainable through a fair and transparent approach by the project development companies. The compensation for displacement under the rehabilitation and resettlement plans must be just, ensuring that the affected residents receive tangible benefits. Moreover, locals, especially those living in proximity to these power projects, should be prioritised in employment and resource allocation. As Kishtwar positions itself as a critical player in India’s renewable energy sector, subsidised or free electricity for local communities should be a fundamental consideration. Otherwise, the region’s transformation into a hydropower hub will come at the cost of its people, who have sacrificed their ancestral lands for national development.
The significance of Kishtwar in India’s renewable energy ambitions is underscored by major hydropower agreements. The Ratle Hydroelectric Project, one of the key initiatives in the district, entered into a 40-year agreement on 3 January 2023 in Jaipur. The Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited for the off-take of electricity generated from the 850 MW project, currently under construction in Kishtwar.
However, this deal has not been without controversy. Various political figures have criticised the agreement, labelling it as an act of exploitation and plunder. Accusations of unfair resource allocation have sparked debates, yet the company officials have stood firm in defending the contract, insisting that it aligns with national energy policies. The tension surrounding such deals reflects broader concerns about resource distribution, local benefits, and the balance between economic expansion and equitable growth.
The sale of surplus electricity to other states presents a significant opportunity for expanding the local economy. However, such transactions must only take place once the region’s electricity demands are adequately met. Given the criticism surrounding recent agreements, it is essential to subject these contracts to thorough scrutiny, ensuring they prioritise local energy needs before facilitating external distribution. The fair allocation of power is imperative, and the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, whose resources drive these projects, must be the primary beneficiaries.
An official spokesman, speaking to The Economic Times, stated, “The surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilised for other parts of the Union Territory but will also be sold to other states.” While this highlights the district’s growing role in India’s energy landscape, it also underscores the need for a transparent framework that safeguards the interests of the local population.
Despite the ongoing construction of multiple hydropower projects, there remains an acute need to monitor their functioning with vigilance. Each agreement signed today will shape the future of Kishtwar, determining its role in the nation’s renewable energy sector and solidifying its identity as a true power hub.
(Writer is a freelance writer and columnist based in Jammu and Kashmir. Ideas are personal.)
