Overview
- The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee recorded the clearance recommendation at its December 19 meeting, according to official minutes released this week.
- NHPC will develop the Rs 3,277.45 crore project as an extension of Dulhasti-I, using a 3,685-metre diversion tunnel to a new pondage and an underground powerhouse with two 130 MW units.
- The committee said project parameters were planned under the Indus Water Treaty, which India has kept in abeyance since April 23, 2025, as the Centre moves to accelerate Indus-basin hydropower.
- The project requires 60.3 hectares of land, including about 8.26–8.27 hectares of private land from Benzwar/Banzwar and Palmar villages, following a public hearing held on August 22 in Banzwar.
- EAC conditions call for a structured river conservation plan to manage flow regimes, maintain channel health and protect aquatic and riparian biodiversity across a Chenab corridor already hosting multiple dams.