New Era for J&K: Fast-Tracked Development in the Indus Basin

In the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack, the Centre has put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and announced an expedited process for granting environmental clearances to all pending and proposed infrastructure projects in the Indus River Basin in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the ministry will ensure swift approval of green clearances for strategic projects, while maintaining scientific rigor in assessments. Key hydroelectric ventures set to benefit include Uri Stage-II (240 MW), Kirthai-II (930 MW), and Sawalkot (1856 MW), which are expected to boost clean energy production and enhance water storage capacity through reservoir creation.

Beyond hydroelectricity, the government will also fast-track irrigation and water storage projects to optimise use of Indus waters. While earlier reforms introduced a single-window clearance system, this move underscores the government’s heightened focus on projects of national and strategic significance in the region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.