# Centre Eyes New Hydropower Projects in J&K, Including Sawalkot

- Topic: india
- Source: [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-considering-new-hydropower-projects-including-in-jks-sawalkot-unionpower-secretary-pankaj-agarwal/article71541564.ece)
- Published: 2026-10-03
- Original: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-considering-new-hydropower-projects-including-in-jks-sawalkot-unionpower-secretary-pankaj-agarwal/article71541564.ece
- Language: en
- Image: https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/1v4b89/article71541870.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/IMG_BL25_Pankaj_Agarwal_2_1_RQGITVEI.jpg

## At a glance

- Centre plans new hydropower projects in J&K, with Sawalkot among the first to be pursued.
- Sawalkot scheme, built by NHPC, will cost ₹5,129 crore and produce 800 MW on the Chenab River.
- Other projects - Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar - are progressing, backed by the Union Territory administration.
- The power deficit in J&K could be eased by 14,500 MW of untapped hydropower potential.

## Sources

- [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-considering-new-hydropower-projects-including-in-jks-sawalkot-unionpower-secretary-pankaj-agarwal/article71541564.ece)

## The story

Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said the government is looking at new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, with Sawalkot among the most advanced. The statement comes after Pakistan raised objections to the Sawalkot dam in July last year and again in February, prompting India to suspend the Indus Water Treaty following the 2025 Pahalgam attack. The Sawalkot hydroelectric scheme, built by NHPC, is slated to cost ₹5,129 crore and generate 800 MW on the Chenab River in Udhampur, Reasi and Ramban. Agarwal also highlighted progress on other projects such as Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar, and said the Union Territory administration fully backs the Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited. He noted that 14,500 MW of hydropower potential remains untapped in the UT, and that the new projects will help address the power deficit. The minister added that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has already enrolled 50 lakh people nationwide, with J&K reaching a 100 MW milestone. He praised the rooftop‑solar rollout in the region as a good start and said it is now “taking off.” Earlier that day, Agarwal visited a Seva Setu Abhiyan camp in Srinagar to inspect stalls and interact with vendors promoting the scheme.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-considering-new-hydropower-projects-including-in-jks-sawalkot-unionpower-secretary-pankaj-agarwal/article71541564.ece)