hydropower projects

A sudden storm capsized a cruise boat on Jabalpur's Bargi Dam reservoir, claiming four lives and leaving 17 missing. The vessel, carrying 43 people, was caught in 60-70 kmph winds. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with survivors alleging delayed life jacket distribution amid the chaos. An inquiry has been ordered.

In an exciting development, Arunachal Pradesh is reshaping the Subansiri Lower Pondage into a vibrant mountain and river tourism destination. Combining ecotourism, thrilling adventures, and rich cultural experiences, this groundbreaking initiative harnesses the power of India’s largest hydroelectric project.

Tapan Susheel

Weak snow cover, global climate signals may impact monsoon

In a remarkable stride towards energy independence, India's ambitious 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has commenced the wet commissioning of its fourth unit. This 250 MW unit's successful mechanical spin represents a pivotal moment for the nation's largest hydropower initiative.

Jammu and Kashmir is reviving the historic 10.5MW Mohra Power Project, dormant since the 1990s. This century-old facility, crucial for Jhelum River dredging, is getting a modern upgrade. The project is a key part of a big plan to boost the region's energy output and bring this vital infrastructure back online.

India last year placed the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack as part of a series of measures announced by PM Narendra Modi, including the suspension of the decades-old water-sharing pact. The treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 for sharing of Indus river system waters. According to the treaty, India got the full rights for utilization of waters of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Satluj — while Pakistan got rights over the three western rivers, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.

The sealing of six tunnels at the Lohari Nagpal hydropower project, stalled since 2010, has commenced with rapid dewatering efforts. The project, halted at 70% completion due to environmental concerns, will now be permanently sealed at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore to ensure structural safety and mitigate risks to surrounding villages.

A landslide at a Kishtwar hydropower project claimed one life and injured another worker. Meanwhile, over 230 people, including women and children, were rescued after being stranded by heavy snowfall at Sinthan Top. Educational institutions outside municipal limits in Kishtwar and Doda were closed as a precaution.

To set up new hydropower projects and start the pending ones, the Uttarakhand government has decided to follow in the footsteps of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh (HP) as the state cabinet has approved a new policy on lines of HP's model.

The modernization works of the Machkund Hydropower project are likely to commence by the end of this year, as the management of the power project has already completed the reassessment life extension study of three out of the six units. The power generation capacity is expected to increase from the existing 120 MW to 150 MW over the next three to four years once the modernization is completed.