look news india
The SawalKote Hydroelectric Project, which has proved to be a historic milestone for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the clean energy goals of the country, is now going to gain full momentum after coming out of the four decade old deadlock. First conceptualized in the 1980s, this massive 1,850 megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river project remained buried in the files for nearly 40 years due to various administrative hurdles, geopolitical sensitivities and environmental objections.
The Central Government’s Energy Ministry and the country’s largest hydropower generating company NHPC have now prepared a comprehensive masterplan of over ₹31,000 crore to complete this project under the ‘Fast-Track Mission’. The construction of this dam will not only provide huge amount of green energy to the northern grid, but Jammu and Kashmir will also directly emerge as a power surplus centre.
The Sawalkot project is to be constructed on the Chenab river between Ramban and Udhampur/Reasi districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Project Capacity: Total 1,850 MW (comprising 6 main turbine units of 225 MW each and other auxiliary units).
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Structure of Dam: on the Chenab River approximately 193 meter high roller compacted concrete (RCC) gravity dam Will be made.
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Power Generation Capacity: Once the project is completed, it will supply around 7,500 to 8,000 million units (MU) of affordable and pollution-free electricity to the grid every year.
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Timeframe and Investment: The project, with an estimated cost of ₹31,200 crore, is targeted to be completely synchronized with the grid within about 7 to 8 years after the commencement of civil work.
From a geopolitical point of view, Sawalkot Dam is of utmost strategic importance for India:
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Full utilization of water of western rivers: Under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, Chenab, Jhelum and Indus rivers are considered ‘western rivers’, over which Pakistan was given major water rights.
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However, under the technical provisions of the agreement, India is required to use these rivers without diverting water and without obstructing the natural flow of the river. Run-of-the-river Has full rights to build hydroelectric power plant.
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Through the Sawalcott Project, India will ensure full utilization of its allotted share of water resources, which will enable effective harvesting and management of water flowing unused across the border in the interest of energy security of the country.
The Sawalkot project is not just a means of generating power, but it has the power to transform the social and economic landscape of the Union Territory:
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12% free power: Under the agreement, the Jammu and Kashmir administration will be entitled to receive the share of the total electricity generated from the project. 12% share completely free Will be available, plus 1% additional will go to Local Area Development Fund (LADF). With this, the state’s annual power deficit of thousands of crores of rupees will end forever.
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Thousands of jobs and skill development: More than 10,000 direct jobs and huge indirect employment opportunities will be created for local youth during dam, tunneling, road infrastructure and powerhouse construction.
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Rejuvenation of roads and connectivity: A network of all-weather roads and bridges will be built in Ramban, Reasi and surrounding remote hilly areas to transport heavy machinery to the project site.
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Promotion of industrial investment: Availability of cheap electricity round the clock will strengthen the establishment of new industries, cold storage chains and data centers in the valley and Jammu division.
With the revival of Sawalkot, Chenab river is now turning into the largest hydroelectric cluster of the country. Major projects already underway or under construction in the Chenab Valley—e.g. Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), Ratle (850 MW) and Dulhasti.—Together, the entire region will generate a combined capacity of over 6,000 MW, which will play a decisive role in India’s resolve to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.