Harnessing Western Rivers: Sawalkote Hydropower Project and India’s Strategic Water-Energy Push

Why in the News?

India has recently commenced work on the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first major new hydropower project to receive government approval after changes in India’s approach to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Background: Hydropower and the Indus Waters Framework

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan allocates the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan, while permitting India limited non-consumptive uses such as hydropower generation on the western rivers.

For decades, India underutilised its permissible share of water from the western rivers due to political sensitivities, regulatory constraints, environmental concerns, and security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

In recent years, however, India has sought to fully realise its rights under the treaty by accelerating run-of-the-river hydropower projects, especially on the Chenab and Jhelum, to enhance energy security, economic development, and regional integration.

The Sawalkote project represents a significant step in this strategic recalibration of water and energy policy.

About the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project

The Sawalkote project is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river hydropower plant located on the Chenab River in the Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Features

• Implementing Agency: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
• Type: Run-of-the-river (non-storage) hydropower project
• Installed Capacity: 1,856 MW — one of the largest hydropower projects in the region

Operational Benefits

• Ensures a reliable power supply to Jammu and Kashmir, especially during harsh winter months when electricity demand peaks and shortages are common.
• Has the potential to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a power-surplus region, enabling the export of surplus electricity to the national grid.
• Contributes to India’s renewable energy targets and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Strategic Water Utilisation

The project is a key part of India’s plan to fully utilise its share of water from the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty, within the treaty’s provisions.

Strategic Significance

Energy Security and Regional Development

Sawalkote strengthens India’s energy security by adding substantial renewable capacity in a strategically important border region, supporting industrial growth, infrastructure development, and employment generation.

Optimising Treaty Rights

By developing run-of-the-river projects on the Chenab, India is operationalising its lawful entitlements under the IWT, ensuring that water resources allocated to India are productively and efficiently used.

Climate and Sustainability Goals

Hydropower from Sawalkote supports India’s climate commitments by expanding clean energy capacity and contributing to long-term decarbonisation of the power sector.

Geopolitical and Strategic Signalling

The project signals India’s intent to assert its water and energy rights within international legal frameworks, reinforcing strategic autonomy while remaining compliant with treaty obligations.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite its benefits, the project faces several challenges:

• Environmental concerns, including ecological impacts on riverine systems
• Rehabilitation and resettlement issues for affected communities
• Geopolitical sensitivities related to transboundary rivers
• Construction challenges in difficult Himalayan terrain

Going forward, India must:

• Ensure transparent environmental assessments and stakeholder engagement
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination for timely project execution
• Maintain treaty compliance while safeguarding national interests
• Integrate hydropower planning with broader water, climate, and regional development strategies