Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project: Profile, Strategic Importance and Key Facts about the Chenab River

Why in News

• The Government recently revived the long-pending 930 MW Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir after years of delay.

Project Profile

• The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL).
• NHPC and J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) hold 51% and 49% stakes respectively.
• It is a run-of-river hydropower project, which requires limited water storage compared to conventional reservoir projects.
• The project is expected to strengthen hydropower generation in the Chenab basin.

Engineering Features

• The project includes a 121-metre-high concrete gravity dam across the Chenab River.
• It will have a 4.29-km-long headrace tunnel for diverting water to the powerhouse.
• The design includes an 840 MW underground powerhouse and a 90 MW dam-toe powerhouse.
• The planned reservoir capacity is 51.26 million cubic metres.

Strategic Significance

• The project enhances India's utilization of waters allocated under the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.
• It contributes to energy security and regional infrastructure development.
• The project is important for maximizing hydropower potential in the western river system.

Chenab River: Key Facts

• The Chenab River is one of the major tributaries of the Indus River System.
• It originates from the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh.
• The river is known as Chandrabhaga in its upper reaches.
• It flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir before entering Pakistan.
• Important tributaries include Tawi, Niru, Neeru, Ans, Kalnai and Marusudar.