Srinagar, Jan 4: Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal began a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday to review the progress of major hydroelectric projects being executed by NHPC in the Union Territory.
The minister arrived in Jammu accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power. He was briefed by NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupendra Gupta on the status of ongoing and upcoming hydropower projects in the region. The visit covers project sites across Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
On the first day, the minister visited the Salal Hydroelectric Power Project in Reasi district, where officials apprised him of ongoing operations and maintenance works. He directed NHPC to expedite sediment removal from the Salal reservoir to ensure optimal utilisation of water resources. The sediment management exercise has gained significance following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty, with the aim of addressing long-standing silt accumulation in the reservoir.
During his visit to Salal, Manohar Lal also undertook a plantation drive within the power station परिसर, highlighting the government’s emphasis on environmental protection alongside infrastructure development. He held meetings with the local administration and senior officials of concerned departments to ensure inter-departmental coordination and timely execution of project-related works.
While travelling towards Kishtwar, the minister carried out an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project, which has an installed capacity of 1,856 MW and is among the largest hydropower projects planned in the region.
In Kishtwar district, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for dam concreting works. The minister encouraged the project team to adhere to timelines and maintain efficiency in execution, stressing the importance of the project for strengthening power generation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The remaining engagements of the two-day visit are expected to focus on further reviews of hydropower infrastructure and discussions on accelerating project implementation in the Union Territory.
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