India Unlocks Indus Waters: New Hydropower & Storage Push

India is advancing plans to develop new hydropower projects with significant storage capacity on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, including the incorporation of low-level sluice gates—features previously restricted under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

According to sources, the government aims to fully utilize the hydropower and storage potential of the Indus basin. Proposed developments are being considered in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, alongside efforts to increase reservoir capacities in projects currently under planning.

Although the IWT permits India to store up to 3.6 million acre-feet (maf) of water, infrastructure constraints have so far limited actual utilization. Currently, India operates primarily run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants. The Pakal Dul project, with a storage capacity of 0.09 maf, remains the only operational reservoir-based project.

Upcoming projects such as Bursar, Wardwan Bursar, Gyspa, and Ratle aim to significantly expand India’s storage capability, with a combined planned capacity of approximately 2.23 maf.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.