India is accelerating the development of hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir to store water from the Indus Basin rivers and regulate their flow to Pakistan. 

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his two-day visit starting 04 January, 2026, reviewed the progress of key projects, including the Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle hydroelectric projects. These projects are located on the Chenab river, one of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. During his visit, Minister Khattar inspected the 690 MW Salal Power Project, urging the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to expedite sediment removal efforts to maximise water utilisation. 

He also conducted an aerial survey of the 1856 MW Sawalkot project and visited the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar, where he laid the foundation stone for dam concreting works. The Minister emphasised completing the projects within stipulated timelines for timely power generation.