India’s plan to tighten control over water flowing into Pakistan is no longer theoretical. Instead, it is now unfolding on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre has issued clear instructions to accelerate four key hydropower projects on the Chenab river system, with firm deadlines and strict monitoring.

Recently, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar conducted a two-day inspection of multiple dam sites in the region. Following this review, officials were told to ensure there are no delays. Deadlines, the government stressed, will be enforced without exceptions.

Clear Timelines Set for Major Projects

According to official directions, the Pakal Dul and Kiru hydropower projects must be commissioned by December 2026. Meanwhile, the Kwar project has been given a completion deadline of March 2028. In addition, construction work on the strategically sensitive Ratle dam has been ordered to move at a faster pace.

Together, these projects mark one of the most decisive pushes India has made on the Chenab river in recent years.

Why the Chenab Matters to Pakistan

The stakes go far beyond power generation. The Chenab is part of the Indus river basin, which forms the backbone of Pakistan’s water system. Nearly three-fourths of Pakistan’s water supply originates from western rivers flowing from India.

More importantly, over 90 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on water from this basin. Almost its entire canal and dam network is built around it. In practical terms, nearly nine out of ten Pakistanis rely on water that first passes through Indian territory. This explains why every development on the Chenab is watched closely across the border.

Pakal Dul: The Game-Changer

Among all projects, Pakal Dul is the most significant. Located in Kishtwar district, it has a planned capacity of 1,000 MW, making it the largest project in the Chenab basin. At 167 metres, it is also the tallest dam in India.

Crucially, Pakal Dul is India’s first storage project on a western river that flows into Pakistan. Built on a tributary of the Chenab, it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018. With the Indus Waters Treaty effectively on hold, the Centre has now ordered that Pakal Dul be completed by December 2026.

Once operational, the project will allow India not only to generate electricity but also to control the timing of water releases — a capability Pakistan has long viewed with unease.

Kiru Project to Run in Tandem

Running alongside Pakal Dul is the Kiru hydropower project, also located in Kishtwar. The 135-metre-high dam is a run-of-the-river project, but its real importance lies in its position within a chain of dams along the Chenab.

The government has set the same December 2026 deadline for Kiru, signalling that both projects are expected to become operational together and strengthen India’s upstream control.

Kwar Dam Progress Watched Closely

The third project in focus is the Kwar dam, another run-of-the-river structure standing 109 metres high. In January 2024, engineers successfully diverted the Chenab to allow construction to move forward — a step that drew close attention in Pakistan.

Now, the Centre has fixed March 2028 as the commissioning deadline, removing uncertainty around timelines.

Ratle Dam Back on Fast Track

The Ratle project remains the most controversial. The 850 MW dam, with a height of 133 metres, has faced strong objections from Pakistan, particularly over the design of its spillways.

During his recent visit, the Power Minister laid the foundation stone for concreting works, making it clear that Ratle will move ahead at full speed. The Chenab was already diverted through tunnels for this project in 2024, and authorities expect the dam to be ready by 2028.

More Projects in the Pipeline

Beyond these headline dams, India is also advancing Dulhasti Stage-2 on the Chenab. The project received clearance from the Environment Ministry’s panel in December last year and will follow the already operational Dulhasti-I.

Pakistan has raised objections, claiming it was not informed about the clearance. However, India has rejected this argument and continues to push ahead.