India Greenlights Dulhasti Stage II Hydropower Project on Chenab River, Pakistan Raises Concerns
India has approved the Dulhasti Stage II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, a move Pakistan describes as a clear violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The project, developed by India’s state-owned NHPC Limited, is expected to generate up to 260 megawatts of electricity. Its estimated cost is 327.745 billion Indian rupees, with construction likely to begin early next year. Dulhasti Stage II will utilize the existing infrastructure of Dulhasti Stage I, which has a capacity of 390 megawatts and operates under a run-of-the-river scheme since 2007.
Experts warn that the new phase could pose strategic and defensive risks to Pakistan, as the Chenab River is one of the rivers allocated to Pakistan under the treaty. The development comes amid India’s recent announcement of unilaterally suspending certain provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, raising tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan has expressed serious concern over the project, calling it a violation of international water agreements and a challenge to regional water security.
