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India Clears Dulhasti Stage II Hydropower on Chenab as Pakistan Cites Indus Treaty Breach

The 260 MW NHPC expansion reuses Dulhasti infrastructure, with construction expected early 2026.

Overview

  • New Delhi granted final approval on December 28 for Dulhasti Stage II in Jammu and Kashmir, advancing a 260 MW addition to the existing scheme.
  • The project is estimated at 327.745 billion Indian rupees and will be developed by state-owned NHPC Limited.
  • Dulhasti Stage II will draw on the Stage I dam, reservoir and intake infrastructure from the 390 MW run-of-the-river plant commissioned in 2007.
  • Environmental clearance documents flag significant hydrological and ecological changes to roughly a 25-kilometre stretch of the Marusudar River.
  • Pakistan labels the move a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, says it will continue Neutral Expert proceedings, and notes India has signalled the treaty is in abeyance.