Power Minister Directs Faster Sediment Removal at Salal, Reviews NHPC Projects Across Jammu Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Monday reviewed a range of NHPC hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the public sector utility to expedite sediment removal operations at the Salal Power Project to optimise generation and water utilisation.

The Minister, accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power) in the Ministry of Power, arrived in Jammu earlier in the day for a two-day visit to assess the progress of NHPC projects in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupendra Gupta briefed him on the status of ongoing works and timelines across the portfolio in the Union Territory.

During his visit to the Salal Power Project on the Chenab River in Reasi district, Manohar Lal was informed about the sediment management measures currently underway at the reservoir. Officials said the sediment removal works are being undertaken to address silt accumulation and to maximise the optimal use of water resources, particularly in the changed operational context following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Minister instructed NHPC to accelerate the process and ensure timely completion.

He also took part in a plantation drive within the Salal power station, with officials stating that the exercise was meant to underline the government’s emphasis on environmental conservation alongside infrastructure development. The Minister held meetings with the local administration and senior officials of concerned departments, stressing the need for close coordination to avoid delays in execution.

En route to Kishtwar, Manohar Lal carried out an aerial inspection of the 1,856 MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project to review its overall alignment and progress. After reaching Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for dam concreting works. He urged the project team to adhere to timelines and complete the construction in an efficient and effective manner.

Officials said the visit was aimed at closely monitoring flagship hydropower projects in the Chenab basin and resolving operational and inter-departmental issues to ensure that capacity addition targets in Jammu and Kashmir are met on schedule.