Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric Projects

Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric Projects : Recently, India approached the World Bank with a request to halt the ongoing arbitration proceedings over two contested hydropower projects — Kishanganga and Ratle.

• About Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (Capacity-330 MW) : Located in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir, is a run-of-the-river scheme on the Kishanganga River.

o Features a 37-meter-high dam and a 23.25 km diversion tunnel leading to an underground powerhouse.

• About Kishanganga River: A transboundary river flowing through India and Pakistan, it is known as Neelum River in Pakistan. It is a significant tributary of the Jhelum River, which itself is a part of the Indus River system.

o Origin: The river originates from Krishansar Lake, located near Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

o Length: Approximately 245 km (about 50 km in India and 195 km in Pakistan).

• About Ratle Hydroelectric Project (Capacity- 850 MW): Run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir.

oIncludes a 133-meter-tall concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse on the river's right bank.

• About Chenab River: A major river flowing through both India and Pakistan. Known as Chandrabhaga in its upper reaches.

o Origin: Formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

o Tributary: It is one of the major tributaries of the Indus River.

o Length: Approximately 605 miles (974 km).

o Main Tributaries: Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.