Jammu, Jan 5: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday reiterated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already given a message to Pakistan – Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was kept in abeyance, and its (Pakistan’s) objections would no longer be accepted.
The Union Power Minister, who was on a two-day visit to J&K for inspection of power projects in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, stated this while responding to media queries in Kishtwar about Pakistan’s objections to different hydro-electric projects in J&K.
“The Prime Minister has already given a clear message to Pakistan that the Indus Water Treaty has been kept in abeyance and now its objections will not be acknowledged. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the water of the Chenab and other rivers will be used to serve the interests of our country as much as possible. We don’t have any other concern (vis-à-vis Pakistan’s objections),” Khattar said.
In the same breath, he said, “Whether it is related to power generation or use of water for irrigation or other purposes, for us, the interests of our country, its people, and the farmers will reign supreme, and we will give precedence to that, as per our requirements.”
Regarding the Ratle power project controversy that “some anti-national people” were employed there, the Union Power Minister said that he had not received any complaint in writing so far on that account. “We will take cognisance if we get it (complaint in writing),” he stated.
With regard to power projects in J&K, Khattar asserted that the issues plaguing all the projects were resolved, and they (projects) were progressing smoothly.
Stating that it was the first visit by the Union Power Minister after putting the IWT in abeyance, he said that work on Ratle, Salal, and Sawalkote projects was being brought on track.
“Directions have been issued to complete them in time. Their completion will benefit J&K and the entire country with the addition to the power generation,” the Union Power Minister said.
Meanwhile, following inspection of three projects of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) Limited, Khattar also issued directions to commission the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects by December 2026 and the Kwar project by March 2028.
Earlier today, he inspected three projects of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) Limited, namely Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW). He also held a review meeting with the project heads and contractors.
The CMD, NHPC, briefed Khattar in detail on various aspects of the three under-construction projects.
The Union Minister also interacted with local residents and workers at various work sites and patiently listened to their issues. After reviewing all the works, the Minister appreciated the personnel and workers for working under challenging conditions and wished them well.
Khattar, who concluded his two-day visit to J&K on Monday, January 5, 2026, had reviewed the Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle projects on Sunday.
Late Sunday evening, the Minister also inspected NHPC’s Dulhasti Power Station at Kishtwar.
At Dulhasti Power Station, he was received by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects), and Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, CVPP, and other officials of NHPC and CVPP.