Centre considering new hydropower projects, including in J&K’s Sawalkot: Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal
The Indian government is planning new hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Sawalkot dam, following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal confirmed that these projects aim to address both local power deficits and national energy demands.
Why it matters
The acceleration of these projects signals a significant shift in India's geopolitical strategy regarding water-sharing agreements with Pakistan following regional security incidents.
With the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam attack in 2025 , Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal on Saturday (October 3, 2026) said the Centre was considering new hydropower projects, including Sawalkot, in J&K.
“Discussions are ongoing regarding Sawalkote. We certainly intend to take up work on that project in the near future. These projects would not only meet the local demand, but would also meet the power demands of other parts of the country,” said Mr. Agarwal.
The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of Pakistan’s objections raised on the construction of Sawalkote dam project in July last year and February this year with India and had sought consultation. India suspended the IWT after the Pahalgam attack , which left 26 civilians dead, in Kashmir in 2025 and started working on several power projects.
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