Power Minister on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review Hydroelectric Projects

Reviews Salal, Sawalkot and Ratle Projects on day 1

New Delhi, January 4: Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, accompanied by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power, Government of India, arrived in Jammu earlier today to review the NHPC hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory of J&K.

Shri Bhupendra Gupta, CMD, NHPC briefed the Minister on the progress of various NHPC Hydroelectric projects located in Jammu & Kashmir. The two-day visit includes inspections of projects located in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.

Today, Sh. Manohar Lal visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project, where he was apprised of the ongoing works. He directed NHPC to expedite the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir. It is pertinent to mention that the Salal Power Station, located on the Chenab River in Reasi district, is undertaking sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), aimed at removing accumulated silt and maximizing optimal utilization of water resources.

During the visit to the Salal Power Station, the Minister also undertook a plantation drive within the power station premises, underscoring the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. He also held discussions with the local administration and senior officials of various concerned departments to ensure coordinated efforts for timely execution of works.

Enroute to Kishtwar, Sh. Manohar Lal conducted an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (1856 MW).
Upon arrival in Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for the dam concreting works and encouraged the project team to complete the works in an effective and time-bound manner.