Overview
- The Expert Appraisal Committee approved RHPCL’s plea at its 9 January meeting after reviewing evidence that work was halted from July 2014 to July 2021.
- The environmental clearance now remains valid until 11 December 2030, with scope for an additional extension of up to two years under ministry provisions.
- Physical progress is about 26 percent, and the project is currently targeted for commissioning in November 2028, subject to possible delays.
- After GVK exited in 2014, an NHPC–JKSPDCL joint venture took over in 2019 and awarded construction to Megha Engineering in 2022.
- An NGT case alleging muck dumping by the contractor has judgment reserved, while central agencies have accelerated Indus-basin projects following the treaty’s suspension.