India weighs new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including Sawalkot

India is considering new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Sawalkot project, according to Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty after the 2025 Pahalgam attack. The Sawalkot project, an 800-megawatt dam on the Chenab River costing ₹5,129 crore, is under discussion despite objections from Pakistan. Other projects like Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar are progressing with support from the local administration. Jammu and Kashmir has an identified hydropower potential of around 14,500 MW, and these projects aim to meet local and national power demands. Agarwal also noted the region achieved 100 MW under the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme.