Overview
- During a two-day review, the Union power minister inspected the Salal, Sawalkot and Ratle projects and received progress briefings from NHPC leadership.
- He directed NHPC to expedite sediment removal at the Salal reservoir to maximise water utilisation after the Indus Waters Treaty was kept in abeyance.
- At the 850 MW Ratle project in Kishtwar, he laid the foundation for dam concreting and formally started foundation grouting, urging time-bound completion.
- Jammu and Kashmir Police flagged hiring of relatives of militants at Ratle, and Khattar said he would take cognisance if a written complaint is submitted.
- Officials framed the push as part of a broader plan to store and regulate western rivers, and Khattar stated on January 5 that long-standing delays have been resolved and projects are on schedule.