Hydropower – Government Pushes Forward Long-Pending Kirthai-II Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir

Hydropower – The Union Government has moved to accelerate the development of the long-delayed Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, marking another step in its broader effort to strengthen hydropower infrastructure along the Chenab River. The project, planned with an installed capacity of 930 MW, has remained under various stages of regulatory review and administrative restructuring for several years.

Project Receives Fresh Administrative Momentum

Authorities have approved the transfer of the project’s Terms of Reference (ToR) to Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL), a move expected to streamline pending regulatory procedures and support faster implementation. The decision comes amid renewed attention on several hydropower projects that had faced delays over the years.

Kirthai-II was first proposed in the mid-1980s and later taken up by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC). In June 2013, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted the necessary Terms of Reference to enable environmental impact assessment studies for the project. The approval remained valid for four years and was subsequently extended until June 2018.

Environmental Clearance Process Faced Delays

Before the extended validity period ended, JKSPDC submitted an application seeking environmental clearance along with the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) documents. The proposal was later reviewed by the Expert Appraisal Committee during meetings held in different phases between 2018 and 2021.

The committee examined the project’s technical and environmental aspects and supported the proposal in principle, subject to compliance with several prescribed conditions. However, the final environmental clearance process could not be completed because the required forest-related documentation linked to Stage-I forest clearance had not been submitted.

Formation of New Company Changed Project Structure

While regulatory reviews were continuing, significant institutional changes took place. Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited was established as a joint venture involving NHPC and JKSPDC to develop hydropower projects across the Chenab basin.

Following the formation of the new company, several project-related responsibilities were shifted to CVPPL. The project’s techno-economic appraisal was transferred and revalidated in the company’s name. In addition, the proposal related to Stage-I forest clearance was also submitted through the new entity, reflecting the revised implementation framework.

Transfer of Terms of Reference Approved

With the ownership and execution structure changing over time, a fresh proposal was submitted in April 2026 requesting that the original Terms of Reference be officially transferred from JKSPDC to CVPPL.

After reviewing the matter, the Expert Appraisal Committee concluded that the Terms of Reference could continue to remain valid for the purpose of processing the project. As a result, the committee approved the transfer of the ToR to Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited, allowing future regulatory procedures to move ahead under the revised project structure.

Focus on Expanding Hydropower Capacity

The latest decision is expected to provide fresh momentum to the Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project, which forms part of a larger effort to expand electricity generation through renewable sources in the Chenab River basin. Once completed, the project is expected to contribute significantly to regional power generation capacity while supporting long-term energy infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.