Kwar Hydro Electric project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the investment of Rs.4526.12 crore for 540 Megawatt (MW) Kwar Hydro Electric Project. The project will be located on river Chenab, in the Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammy and Kashmir.

Key Points

• The project will be implemented by M/s. Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (M/s. CVPPL).
  • a joint venture company between NHPC and JKSPDC (Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation) with an equity contributions of 51% and 49% respectively.
• The Kwar Hydro Electric Project shall be commissioned with a span of 54 months. 
• The project shall generate 1975.54 million units in a 90% dependable year.
• The construction activities of the Project will result in direct and indirect employment to around 2500 persons.
• Other hydroelectric projects in the area include 1,000 MWs Pakal Dul hydroelectric project and 624 MWs run-of-the-river Kiru hydroelectric project.

About Chenab River

• The river Chenab (or Chandra Bhaga) is formed after the two streams the Chandra and the Bhaga merge with each other.This confluence occurs in Tandi, which is located within the upper Himalayas in Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh.
• The length of the Chenab River is estimated to be approximately 960 kilometers. 
• The Chenab flows within Himachal for approximately 122 kilometers.
• The Jhelum River joins the Chenab River at Trimmu, following which the Chenab is also joined by Ravi River Ahmedpur Sial.
• After this the Chenab merges with Sutlej River at an area near Uch Sharif in Pakistan.
• Baglihar Dam also called Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project was constructed in two phases on Chenab River in the southern Doda district.
• The tributaries of the Chenab River include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar and Lidrari.
• Marusudar is regarded as the biggest tributary of Chenab and joins Chenab in Bhandalkot.