Jammu, Jan 5: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Sunday commenced his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir by laying the foundation stone for dam concreting works of the Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar, urging engineers to ensure timely and efficient completion of the project.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Khattar as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC said the project had witnessed a delay of over two years due to various reasons, but work has now been accelerated.
He said that the 800 MW power to be generated from the project will benefit Jammu and Kashmir as well as other parts of the country, significantly boosting overall power generation.
Union Minister stressed that local residents should be given priority in employment related to the project, stating that they are the rightful stakeholders.
Addressing Pakistan’s objections to hydroelectric projects, including the Dul Hasti Project, Khattar asserted that all such projects are being executed solely in India’s national interest and that Pakistan has no authority or role in these matters.
He categorically stated that objections raised by Pakistan would not be considered under any circumstances.
Responding to a question on the fast-tracking of projects following ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the message for Pakistan, Khattar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made India’s position clear by keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. He said the waters of the Chenab and Indus rivers will now be utilised for the benefit of the country’s own people, and no external objections will be entertained.
Emphasising strict security measures, the Union Minister said individuals with any unlawful background would not be allowed to be associated with hydel power projects in Kishtwar.
On reports of alleged Over Ground Workers (OGWs) being seen at the project site along with local leaders, the Minister said he would take cognizance of the issue. However, he added that such matters are local in nature and should be addressed at the local level, ruling out the need for an NIA probe at this stage.
Earlier, Khattar arrived in Jammu along with Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India, to review NHPC-run hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory. NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupendra Gupta briefed the Minister on the progress of ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The visit includes inspections of projects in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
During the day, the Union Minister also visited the Salal Hydroelectric Project in Reasi district, where he was apprised of the ongoing works. He directed NHPC authorities to expedite sediment removal operations from the Salal reservoir. The sediment removal work is being undertaken to optimise water utilisation following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty.
At Salal, Khattar also participated in a plantation drive within the project premises, highlighting the government’s focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development. He held meetings with local administration and senior officials to ensure coordination for timely execution of projects.
En route to Kishtwar, the Minister conducted an aerial survey of the 1856 MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project.
Later in the day, Khattar attended a Hindu Sammelan organised at the Mahadev Temple in Reasi as part of the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing the gathering, he said Hindutva represents nationalism and devotion to the nation, irrespective of one’s faith.
He said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, a renewed sense of nationalism has emerged in the region. Highlighting the RSS ideology, Khattar said the organisation works with the principle of “nation first” and has evolved into a strong social movement over the last 100 years.
Upon reaching Kishtwar, the Union Minister formally laid the foundation stone for the dam concreting works of the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening the power infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)
