India's Chenab Hydroelectric Project: What's Really Going On?
What's This About?
India is building a new hydroelectric power station on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, and it's causing quite a row. The project, called Dulhasti-II, isn't just about generating electricity—it's become a major point of tension between India and Pakistan.
The Basics
The Dulhasti-II project is being built in Kishtwar district and will generate 260 megawatts of electricity. It's what's called a "run-of-the-river" scheme, which means it doesn't need a massive dam or reservoir. Instead, it uses the natural flow of the river to generate power. This approach is meant to cause less disruption to local communities and the environment. The Indian government approved it in late 2025, and it's expected to cost over ₹3,200 crore (roughly £300 million).
Why India Wants It
India has big plans for hydropower, and the Chenab River has enormous potential—thousands of megawatts worth. Dulhasti-II is just one piece of the puzzle. For the local area, the project promises jobs, better infrastructure, and less reliance on coal and oil. For India as a whole, it's about energy security and meeting climate targets by switching to renewable power.
Why Pakistan Is Worried
Here's where it gets complicated. The Chenab River doesn't stop at the Indian border—it flows into Pakistan. Back in 1960, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty, which sets rules about how both countries can use these shared rivers. Pakistan says India's new project breaks this agreement and could reduce the water flowing downstream into Pakistani territory.
India argues that run-of-the-river projects are allowed under the treaty and that they're not actually taking water away from Pakistan. But things have got worse since India recently said it wouldn't fully follow the treaty anymore, partly in response to cross-border terrorism. Pakistan sees this as India using water as a weapon. India sees it as simply using its own resources.
Environmental Concerns
Even though Dulhasti-II is less damaging than a big dam would be, there are still worries. Changing how the river flows could affect fish and other wildlife, as well as farmers downstream who depend on the water. Building in the Himalayas is risky too—landslides and damage to fragile habitats are real possibilities. Locally, whilst the project brings jobs and development, some communities might lose land or face disruption to their way of life.
What Could Go Wrong?
There are several risks:
- The dispute with Pakistan could escalate and damage relations further
- Environmental damage could harm ecosystems and people's livelihoods
- Security threats in Jammu & Kashmir could disrupt construction
- Like many big infrastructure projects, it could run over budget and face delays
The Bottom Line
The Dulhasti-II project shows how tangled together development, diplomacy, and the environment can be. For India, it's about moving towards energy independence and boosting the region's economy. For Pakistan, it's a threat to their water supply and a breach of trust. At its heart, this isn't just about building a power station—it's about how countries share vital resources like water, and how they balance their own needs against their neighbours' concerns.