Kirthai Stage II Hydroelectric Project

One year after placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, the Government of India has revived the long-delayed Kirthai Stage II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The project, first conceived in 1984, is planned with an installed capacity of 930 MW.

Kirthai II is among several hydropower projects that have been revived since India suspended the IWT following the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025.

Many of these projects, particularly those located on the Chenab River, had faced delays due to objections raised by Pakistan under the provisions of the treaty.

The renewed push for hydropower development is aimed at enhancing energy generation and accelerating the utilization of India’s water resources in the Indus basin.

The revival of Kirthai II is expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower infrastructure and contribute to the region’s economic development.

Source: NIE