RATLE DAM HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT

RATLE DAM HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT

CONTEXT 

• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for 850 MegaWatt (MW) Ratle hydropower project on Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir.

MORE ABOUT PROJECT

• • The Ratle Hydroelectric Plant is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station currently under construction on the Chenab River, downstream of the village near Drabshalla in Kishtwar district of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
  • The project includes a 133 m (436 ft) tall gravity dam and two power stations adjacent to one another.
  • In June 2013, the then Indian Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the dam.

• Pakistan has frequently alleged that it violates the Indus Water Treaty, 1960.

INDUS WATER TREATY

• • The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to use the water available in the Indus River and its tributaries
  • The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan

• The Treaty gives control over the waters of the three “eastern rivers” — the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej with a mean annual flow of 33 million acre-feet (MAF) — to India, while control over the waters of the three “western rivers” — the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum with a mean annual flow of 80 MAF — to Pakistan.

• India was allocated about 20% of the total water carried by the Indus system while Pakistan was allocated the remainder (80%).
• The treaty allows India to use the western river waters for limited irrigation use and unlimited non-consumptive use for such applications as power generation, navigation, floating of property, fish culture, etc. It lays down detailed regulations for India in building projects over the western rivers.
• The Indus Waters Treaty is considered one of the most successful water sharing endeavors in the world today

OTHER PROJECTS ON CHENAB BASIN:

• Kiru Hydro Electric (HE) Project:

• The Kiru HE Project of 624 MW installed capacity is proposed on river Chenab (Kishtwar district).

• Pakal Dul (Drangdhuran) Hydroelectric Project:

• It is a reservoir based scheme proposed on river Marusudar, the main right bank tributary of river Chenab in Kishtwar Tehsil of Doda District in Jammu & Kashmir.

• Dulhasti Power Station:

• It is run-of-the-river with an installed capacity of 390 MW to harness the hydropower potential of river Chenab (Kishtwar district).

• Salal Power Station:

• It is a run-of-the-river scheme with an installed capacity of 690 MW to harness the Hydropower potential of river Chenab. It is located in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir