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3 min readNew DelhiJun 23, 2026 05:24 PM IST The Kirthai-II hydroelectric project was recommended for a grant of environmental clearance in 2021, but was subject to the grant of in-principle forest clearance. (File Photo)The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended in-principle approval for diversion of 197 hectares of forest land for the 820 MW Kirthai-II hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
The project was recommended for a grant of environmental clearance in 2021, but was subject to the grant of in-principle forest clearance as the project site is located in a moderate to dense, high-mountainous forest area.Kirthai-II becomes the third hydroelectric project planned on the Chenab to receive approvals from the Environment Ministry since the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Centre has moved to expedite hydel projects stalled or proposed in the Indus basin since the Treaty’s suspension. Sawalkote, Dulhasti–II, Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai Stage I and II are some of the projects planned on the Chenab River.
Under IWT, Pakistan controlled the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, while India controlled the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Even as multiple projects are proposed in the Chenab basin, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has dispensed with the requirement for cumulative impact assessment and carrying capacity for the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum, in view of their strategic nature and the need to fully utilise their water.
Reduced proposed capacity
The in-principle forest clearance was recommended during FAC’s June 10 meeting, as per the minutes of its meeting.Story continues below this ad
FAC’s minutes show Kirthai–II will be a run-of-the-river project, and its original proposed capacity of 930 MW has now been reduced to 820 MW.
As per the project documents, Kirthai–I is upstream, and the Kiru project is downstream of Kirthai–II. A 121-metre-high concrete gravity dam will be constructed in Padder tehsil of Kishtwar district.
As many as 8,723 trees will be felled for the project site, which features dense forest comprising Pine species, Silver Fir, Oak species, and other temperate and broadleaf trees. The project site is a natural habitat of Chilgoza Pine trees. The Himalayan Tahr, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, and Asiatic Ibex are also present on the project site, the divisional forest officer said in his report to the FAC.Story continues below this ad
The ministry panel has directed the implementation of a wildlife biodiversity management plan and habitat management plan, including an animal passage plan.
The project will be implemented by the Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd, a joint venture of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More Tags: chenab river Environment ministry hydel projects Indus Water Treaty
