Union Power Minister Reviews NHPC Hydro Projects in J&K; Foundation Stone Laid for Ratle Dam Works

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal arrived in Jammu to review NHPC’s hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir. He was accompanied by Power Secretary Shri Pankaj Agarwal. NHPC CMD Shri Bhupendra Gupta briefed the Minister on the status of major hydro projects during the two-day visit, which covers Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.

On the first day, the Minister inspected NHPC’s Salal Power Project in Reasi, where he directed the corporation to expedite sediment removal from the reservoir. The Salal Power Station, located on the Chenab River, has begun sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty to clear accumulated silt and optimise water utilisation. Shri Manohar Lal also participated in a plantation drive at the project site and held discussions with the local administration and officials to ensure coordinated and timely execution.

Enroute to Kishtwar, the Minister conducted an aerial inspection of the 1,856 MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project. Upon arrival in Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for dam concreting works and urged the project team to complete construction efficiently and within set timelines.