Centre considers ₹5,129 crore Sawalkot hydropower project after Indus Water Treaty suspension
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims + Mains·
Energy security and transboundary water hydro-politics: a GS3 and International Relations case study.
Why in news
The Union Power Secretary announced that the Centre is considering the ₹5,129 crore Sawalkot hydropower project in J&K following India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
Background
The Sawalkot hydropower project is an NHPC initiative estimated to cost ₹5,129 crores to generate 800 megawatts. The Indus Water Treaty was suspended by India following a 2025 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Facts for Prelims
- FactSawalkot project capacity: 800 megawatts.
- FactSawalkot project cost: ₹5,129 crores.
- SchemePM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: J&K reached a 100 MW milestone under this scheme.
- PlacePahalgam: Location of the 2025 attack resulting in the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
Prelims practice question
What is the estimated power generation capacity of the Sawalkot hydropower project?
- (a)800 megawatts
- (b)1200 megawatts
- (c)500 megawatts
- (d)1000 megawatts
Show answer
Answer: (a) 800 megawatts — The note specifies that the Sawalkot hydropower project is estimated to generate 800 megawatts.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of suspending the Indus Water Treaty on India's energy security and regional hydro-politics.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy security: Balancing domestic hydropower requirements with transboundary water-sharing tensions
- Diplomatic friction: Impact of treaty suspension on bilateral relations and regional water cooperation
- Infrastructure push: Leveraging NHPC projects to meet peak power demands in J&K
Keywords: Energy Security · Transboundary Water · Hydro-politics · Infrastructure Development · Bilateral Relations
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.