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28 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Environment & EcologyEconomyEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Centre's Green Panel Clears Stage 2 Dulhasti Hydel Project in J&K

Centre's expert panel approves Stage 2 of Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project in J&K, boosting energy and development.

Centre's Green Panel Clears Stage 2 Dulhasti Hydel Project in J&K

Photo by Boitumelo

The Centre's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects has granted environmental clearance for Stage 2 of the Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. This 250 MW project, proposed by NHPC, involves diverting water from the Chenab river basin.

The clearance comes with specific conditions to mitigate environmental impact, including measures for muck disposal, catchment area treatment, and biodiversity conservation. This approval signifies a push for hydroelectric power generation in the region, crucial for energy security and regional development, while also highlighting the importance of environmental impact assessments (EIA) in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Key Facts

1.

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) approved Stage 2 Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project.

2.

Project located in Kishtwar, J&K, on Chenab river basin.

3.

Proposed capacity: 250 MW.

4.

NHPC is the project proponent.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and its statutory basis (Environment Protection Act, 1986)

2.

Role and functions of Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

3.

Geography of the Chenab River basin, its origin, course, and major hydroelectric projects on it

4.

Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and its implications for India's hydroelectric projects on western rivers

5.

Sustainable development challenges in the Himalayan region, balancing energy needs with ecological fragility

6.

Hydroelectric power as a source of renewable energy, its advantages and disadvantages

Visual Insights

Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project Stage 2: Location & Context

This map illustrates the geographical location of the Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project Stage 2 in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting its strategic position in the Chenab river basin. The project's location is crucial for understanding its environmental and geopolitical implications.

Loading interactive map...

📍Kishtwar, J&K📍Chenab River
More Information

Background

The Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project is located on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. Stage 1 (390 MW) is already operational. The current news pertains to the environmental clearance for Stage 2 (250 MW), indicating a continued focus on harnessing the hydroelectric potential of the Chenab basin. This region is crucial for India's energy security and regional development, but also ecologically sensitive.

Latest Developments

The Centre's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects has granted environmental clearance for Stage 2 of the Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project. This clearance comes with specific conditions aimed at mitigating environmental impacts, such as proper muck disposal, catchment area treatment, and biodiversity conservation. This highlights the regulatory framework governing large infrastructure projects and the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India: 1. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) is a statutory body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. Environmental Clearance (EC) for all river valley projects, irrespective of their capacity, is mandatory under the EIA Notification, 2006. 3. Public hearing is an integral part of the EIA process for all Category A projects, without any exceptions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.None of the statements
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is incorrect. EACs are constituted by the Central Government under the EIA Notification, 2006, which itself is issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. They are expert bodies, not statutory bodies in the sense of being directly created by an Act. Statement 2 is incorrect. EC is mandatory for projects above certain thresholds or falling under specific categories, not for 'all' projects irrespective of capacity. Statement 3 is incorrect. While public hearing is generally mandatory for Category A projects, there are certain exceptions, such as projects located within industrial estates/parks, expansion of existing projects without increase in pollution load, or projects concerning national security.

2. In the context of the Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project and the Chenab River, consider the following statements: 1. The Chenab River is classified as one of the 'Western Rivers' under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan. 2. India has unrestricted rights to generate hydroelectricity on the Western Rivers, provided it does not store water beyond specified limits. 3. The Baglihar Dam and Salal Project are also significant hydroelectric projects located on the Chenab River. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) designates the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab as 'Western Rivers', whose waters are primarily for Pakistan's unrestricted use. Statement 2 is incorrect. While India can use the waters of Western Rivers for 'non-consumptive' uses like power generation, it is subject to strict design criteria and limits on storage, not 'unrestricted rights'. Statement 3 is correct. Baglihar Dam and Salal Project are indeed major hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River in India.

3. Which of the following is NOT a typical environmental mitigation measure or condition imposed during the environmental clearance for large hydroelectric projects in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas?

  • A.Implementation of a comprehensive Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plan to reduce soil erosion.
  • B.Development of a robust muck disposal plan and its scientific management to prevent landslides.
  • C.Mandatory provision of free electricity to all project-affected families for a specified period.
  • D.Formulation and implementation of a Biodiversity Conservation and Management Plan for the project area.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Options A, B, and D are all typical and crucial environmental mitigation measures or conditions imposed during environmental clearance for large hydroelectric projects, especially in sensitive areas. Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plans address soil erosion, muck disposal plans manage excavated material, and biodiversity conservation plans protect local flora and fauna. Option C, while potentially part of a Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) package or a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is not a 'typical environmental mitigation measure or condition' directly related to environmental impact reduction during the clearance process itself. Environmental clearance focuses on ecological impacts, not direct economic benefits to affected families.

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