India has approved the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The move has sparked concerns, as it violates the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan.
The Dulhasti Stage-II project will generate up to 260 megawatts of electricity. The estimated cost of the project is 3,277.45 crore Indian rupees. Indian authorities plan to begin work on the controversial hydropower project early next year. The project will be developed by NHPC Limited, a public sector company in India.
Under the Indus Water Treaty, India and Pakistan share six rivers in the Indus basin. Pakistan has extensive rights over the western rivers – Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus – while India has control over the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over unilateral projects on the western rivers, citing treaty violations.
The approval of Dulhasti Stage-II comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India had recently kept the IWT in abeyance following the Pahalgam incident, which triggered cross-border clashes. Despite India’s move, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty and stated it will continue participating in Neutral Expert proceedings in good faith.
In August, the Permanent Court of Arbitration emphasized that India must “let flow” the waters of the western rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use. Analysts suggest that the approval of Dulhasti Stage-II may escalate disputes over water-sharing and could impact regional stability if not addressed diplomatically.
The Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project is expected to strengthen India’s power supply in Jammu and Kashmir. However, it has also drawn criticism from Pakistan and international observers who stress adherence to the Indus Water Treaty as vital for peaceful cooperation in the region.
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