Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project
Context: The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project has been in the news recently due to a corruption case involving alleged irregularities in awarding a ₹2,200-crore civil works contract. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and seven others, including former top officials of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL).
Important Pointers:
Project Location: The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project is located on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Installed Capacity: It is a 624 megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river hydroelectric project designed to harness the power potential of the Chenab Basin.
Implementing Agency: The project is implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), a joint venture of NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), JKSPDC (Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation), and PTC India Ltd (Power Trading Corporation of India).
Geostrategic Significance: It strengthens India’s claim under the Indus Waters Treaty to utilise the western rivers (like Chenab) for hydropower generation.
Environmental Approval: The project received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in March 2016.
Corruption Case (2025): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and seven others over irregularities in awarding a ₹2,200 crore civil works contract.
Allegations: The CBI alleges manipulation of tendering processes and favouritism by former top officials of CVPPPL in awarding the contract.
Regional Importance: The project is vital for energy security and socio-economic development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Multipurpose Utility: While focused on electricity generation, it also contributes to flood moderation and regional grid stability.