Over 1,000 families have been impacted by the construction of major hydropower projects in Kishtwar district, the Union Government informed Parliament.
Replying to a question by Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said 1,004 families have been affected by the ongoing projects, including Dulhasti, Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar.
He stated that during the construction of the 390 MW Dulhasti project, 60 families were displaced and all of them were relocated with employment provided.
However, for the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul, 624 MW Kiru and 540 MW Kwar projects, there is no provision for resettlement and rehabilitation of affected families under the plans approved by the Jammu and Kashmir government.
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Naik added that employment opportunities have been generated through contractors, with more than 6,211 local residents from Kishtwar, including 552 project-affected families (PAFs), currently working on these projects.
Bidding opportunities are also being extended to affected families and local residents to encourage their participation.
The Dulhasti project was developed by NHPC Limited, while the Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar projects are being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited.
As of early 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has an operational hydropower capacity of approximately 3,540 MW. The ongoing expansion of large-scale hydro projects is expected to turn the region into an energy-surplus state, though it has raised serious concerns over environmental impact and safety risks to vulnerable communities, particularly in the Chenab Valley.
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