Centre To Fast-Track Green Clearances For Indus Basin Projects Amid Strategic Shift After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive move following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre is reportedly planning to expedite environmental clearances for all proposed and pending infrastructure projects in the Indus River Basin region of Jammu and Kashmir, Times of India reported.

This policy shift comes in the wake of the government putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, signalling a more assertive use of India's share of river water.

"The ministry will ensure that all the green clearances/regulatory approvals for these strategic projects are granted expeditiously, while ensuring appropriate scientific rigour in the appraisal process," Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav was quoted as saying by ToI.

The push aims to fully harness the hydrological potential of the region, both for clean energy generation and improved water storage and irrigation.

Alongside hydropower ventures, the Centre also intends to secure swift environmental nods for irrigation infrastructure and reservoirs essential to agricultural and strategic water use.

Among the key hydroelectric projects awaiting various clearances are Uri Stage-II (240 MW), Kirthai-II (930 MW), and the massive Sawalkot project (1,856 MW).

These developments are seen not only as contributors to sustainable energy but also as tools for augmenting India’s water retention capabilities through their associated reservoirs.

Although the Ministry of Environment had already introduced reforms such as a single window clearance system to streamline the approval process, this new directive emphasises on security and strategic relevance.

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