Archive · 29 Dec 2025
India Approves Chenab Hydropower Project After Treaty Abeyance
The Indian government has approved a new hydropower project called Dulhasti State-II on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
This project, which will produce 260 MW of power, is an extension of an existing project and aims to use the river's water for electricity.
The approval comes after India paused the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which happened because of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Pakistan is worried about this decision, saying it could make their relationship with India even more tense.
The treaty, which has been in place since 1960, controls how India and Pakistan share water from the Indus River system.
India says the treaty will stay paused until Pakistan takes serious action against terrorism.
The Indian government approved the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
The project is an extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti State-I project and aims to harness the Chenab's hydropower potential.
The approval comes after India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
Pakistan has expressed concern, calling the project a 'weaponisation of water' that could further strain relations.
India has maintained that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism.
- Who
- Indian government, Pakistan
- What
- Approval of the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II hydropower project on the Chenab River
- When
- After the Indus Waters Treaty was placed in abeyance on April 23, 2025
- Where
- Chenab River, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Why
- To harness the Chenab's hydropower potential and in response to the Pahalgam terror attack
- Project Name
- Dulhasti State-II
- Capacity
- 260 MW
- Location
- Chenab River, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Estimated Cost
- Rs 3,200 crore
- Treaty Status
- Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance since April 23, 2025
- Previous Project
- Dulhasti State-I (390 MW, operational since 2007)
- Land Acquisition
- Over 8 hectares from Benzwar and Palmer villages
- Terror Attack
- Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025
