Development of Rs 4.6 crore J&K hydroelectric project to begin in two months

According to reports, a senior government official has said that the development of Rs 4,640.88 crore Kiru hydroelectric project on River Chenab will commence within two months. The environment ministry had approved both, the Kiru and Kwar hydel projects, in July 2016 and April 2017 respectively, and their estimated time of completion is 54 months each. The projects will be constructed through Chenab Valley Power Projects, a JV between Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation, Power Trading Corporation India and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. The proposed hydroelectric dam will have a height of 123 m along with a below-ground powerhouse incorporating four units of 153 MW each. It will be a run-of-the-river development, which means that the river water will flow back into the river once power is generated. Earlier reports indicated inadequate compensation given to locals who will be displaced as a result of the development of the project. It is known that the state, in response, has identified land for rehabilitation and the affected individuals will also be receiving training, enabling them to get employment once the development of the Kiru project begins.