Overview
- The Environmental Appraisal Committee under the Environment Ministry approved the Dulhasti Stage-II project in Kishtwar with an estimated cost of Rs 3,277.45 crore.
- The scheme extends NHPC’s 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I plant, which has operated since 2007, using the existing infrastructure for a new 260 MW addition.
- Design plans include a 3,685-metre diversion tunnel, pondage, a surge shaft, a pressure shaft, and an underground powerhouse with two 130 MW units.
- Total land needs are assessed at 60.3 hectares, including 8.27 hectares of private land to be acquired from Benzwar and Palmar villages.
- The committee recorded that parameters were planned to comply with the Indus Water Treaty and set conditions for a river conservation strategy in light of anticipated hydrological changes linked to Pakal Dul.