KISHTWAR: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Development, Manohar Lal, on Monday reviewed the progress of major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district as part of his two-day visit to the Union Territory.
The Minister visited the 1000 MW Pakal Dul, 624 MW Kiru and 540 MW Kwar hydroelectric projects. He was accompanied by Secretary (Power), Government of India, Pankaj Agarwal; CMD, NHPC Ltd, Bhupendra Gupta; Director (Projects), NHPC, Sanjay Singh; MD, CVPPL, Ramesh Mukhiya; ED-PMSG, NHPC, U K Nand; CEO, RHPCL, M K Kashyap, along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar, ACR Kishtwar and heads of the respective projects.
Before proceeding to the project sites, the Union Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by a CISF contingent at the Dul Hasti Power Station colony complex. This was followed by plantation of saplings by the Minister and the Secretary (Power) in the Dul Hasti Bhawan परिसर.
Pakal Dul HEP (1000 MW):
The Minister inspected the powerhouse complex of the Pakal Dul project, where he was received by MD, CVPPL, Ramesh Mukhiya. Head of Project, Vishal Anand, briefed the delegation on the progress and current status of works. Expressing satisfaction over the pace of construction, the Minister directed officials to ensure timely completion of the project by December 2026. He complimented officers and workers for their dedication and termed the project one of national importance.
Kwar HEP (540 MW):
En route to Kiru, the Minister reviewed the under-construction Kwar HEP. Head of Project, S K Giri, briefed him on project progress. The Minister directed the management to ensure completion of the project by March 2028.
Kiru HEP (624 MW):
At Kiru HEP, the Minister reviewed the progress of the dam works. Head of Project, Ramesh Ojha, briefed the delegation on the current status. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and congratulated the project team for achieving construction milestones, urging them to ensure commissioning of the project by December 2026.
During interactions with senior officials of NHPC, CVPPL and RHPCL, the Union Minister said hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir are crucial for meeting the energy requirements of both the country and the Union Territory, making their timely completion a top priority.
The Minister also interacted with Hon’ble MLA Kishtwar Ms Shagun Parihar and local public representatives. Later, he conducted an aerial survey of the Pakal Dul dam before returning to Jammu.
