Modi Govt Fast-Tracks Mega Dam Projects on Chenab After Pausing Indus Treaty

• India begins work on Rs 5,129 crore Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on River Chenab in J&K, first new project post-Indus Water Treaty abrogation.
• NHPC invites bids for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote project, indicating urgency with plans for early commissioning.
• Centre directs fast-tracking of four major hydropower projects on Chenab: Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle, with specific completion deadlines.
• Pakal Dul, India's first storage project on a western river flowing into Pakistan, will allow regulation of water flows, a concern for Pakistan.
• Pakistan is worried as the Chenab is part of its lifeline Indus basin, with 90% of its agriculture dependent on western rivers flowing from India.