Latest news with #Uri-II
India Today
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
A month into India-Pakistan ceasefire, Uri on LoC declares: ‘Bunkers a necessity now'
Broken walls, shattered windowpanes, damaged rooftops, tattered floor covers, broken utensils, ripped blankets, torn books, hollowed out wardrobes and suitcases—these sum up the scene in shelling-hit Gingal village of Uri in north Kashmir, some 16 km from the Line of Control (LoC) with amidst the ruins of her two-storied home, destroyed in the long-range artillery fire by Pakistan on the night of May 9, 39-year-old Misra Begum is still unable to reconcile with the loss. 'We're homeless now; our valuables of an entire lifetime are gone. My husband is a labourer; how will we build a new one (home)?' says Begum, recounting to INDIA TODAY the family's relentless struggles over the years to put together their over a month now, Begum, her husband and children—13-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter—have been staying at a relative's home nearby. Their devastated home symbolises the carnage caused by long-range shelling in the village of around 750 households between May 8 and 10, when Pakistan responded to India's Operation the vicinity, retired armyman Mohammad Naseer's home has been left with broken windows and holes in the roof. Some 300 metres away, a tw0-storied house has had its left wing, comprising four of the total eight rooms, damaged completely. 'The shelling shook our bodies; it felt like our ears were being torn apart. Had we not gathered in the kitchen, which is on the other side of the house, we would've been dead,' says 38-year-old Zahida Banoo, holding her two children. Her husband works in the Jammu and Kashmir like thousands of others in Uri, had fled her home to safer places when intense shelling by Pakistan wreaked havoc on the villages of Gangil, Lagama, Gharkote, Salamabad, Paranpilla, Bandi, Lagama and Dachi, among others. She returned after spending a week at her sister's home in Baramulla and another at a rented house in which hosts the head office of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), overlooking the 480 MW Uri-I power project on the Jhelum river flowing beneath into Pakistan, was perhaps the worst hit. Some 30-40 artillery shells, as per locals, landed in the village. Four homes were completely damaged and another 87 partially. The highly-guarded NHPC office, spanning over six acres, was also hit by shells—the damages caused to its residential buildings.'Windowpanes broke. There was fear all over; we hid inside bunkers,' informs E. Srinivas, deputy general manager at the NHPC installations near the LoC were put on high alert during the India-Pakistan offensive, owing to a potential threat from Islamabad in the backdrop of New Delhi suspending the Indus Waters Treaty after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April though, says Uri-I, the 240 MW Uri-II and 330 MW Kishanganga projects were fully secured and power generation was Naseer, a 33-year-old woman, shudders at the mention of 'war'. The four-day horror, May 7 to May 10, has left her with nightmares. She blames the media for the war hysteria at the cost of people's lives. 'Take us out of Uri and engage in the war, as much as you can. It looks easy from inside newsrooms; if you've the guts, exchange places with us,' she says, fighting been a month since the post-Operation Sindoor ceasefire with Pakistan, yet the residents of Uri grapple with fear and uncertainty. In recent years, the border villages here have had travellers trooping in, thanks to the tourism push by the government. Now, it has all come to a standstill.'The bullet has no eye to distinguish or differentiate. The deadly shells have damaged our buildings and left us all with lifelong trauma. We have lost sleep,' says Hafiz Zahid Hussain, a Bihar-origin moulvi at Gingal's mosque for the past 32 recall past wars between India and Pakistan, but say the use of long-range artillery this time and the damage it caused is unprecedented. According to an official assessment by the district administration of Baramulla, Uri tehsil suffered damage to 513 buildings—60 homes and five cowsheds were razed to the ground while 436 homes and 12 cowsheds were partially Karnah, in north Kashmir's Kupwara, over 100 buildings were damaged. Overall, in Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch in Jammu suffered the most, with thousands of structures reported to have been damaged. Of the 21 lives lost, 16 were in Poonch conflict has also triggered a bunker crisis in the border areas. Except for a few places like Salamabad and Gharkote, the villages in Uri are largely without bunkers, making them vulnerable to Ali, a resident of Paranpilla village, plans to construct a bunker in his farmland by taking advantage of its terraced design. 'We'll dig through the height of this land from tomorrow and concretise the hole, followed by cementing,' says Ali, sitting in his farmland by a flowing serenity of the surroundings belies the complexity of the situation. 'Bunkers are a necessity now,' decides to India Today Magazine
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
With Indus Waters Treaty suspended, Modi government looks to expedite five major J&K hydroelectric power projects
Modi government is considering moving forward with several hydroelectric initiatives. India is looking to expedite five significant hydroelectric power projects in Jammu & Kashmir , following its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty suspended. These projects can progress more rapidly without the previously required Indus Waters Treaty approval process. Sources told ET that the government is considering moving forward with several hydroelectric initiatives: the 800 MW Bursar plant, 260 MW Dulhasti II, 1856 MW Swalkote HEP, 240 MW Uri Stage II, and 930 MW Kirthai II. The Narendra Modi government's initiative to accelerate these projects serves two primary objectives: addressing J&K's power needs whilst strengthening India's position regarding western river water resources, currently limited by the Indus Waters Treaty. Collectively, these developments could generate 4000MW for power-deficient J&K. While Uri Stage II is situated on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, the remaining projects are planned within the Chenab valley. The projects are likely to be completed in 3-5 years after they were prioritised following recent high-level discussions after the Pahalgam terror attack . They are integral to India's strategy regarding Indus Waters Treaty suspension. Apart from Uri-II, which recently received Indus Waters Treaty approval, the other projects await clearance under the Indus Waters Treaty framework. The largest among these initiatives is Swalkote, situated in Ramban district, featuring a 192.5-metre dam, whilst Dulhasti Stage-II will be established in Kishtwar district with an underground powerhouse (2x130 MW). The Bursar hydroelectric project , planned in Kishtwar district, serves as a storage facility that will regulate water flow, benefiting all downstream projects during periods of reduced flow. Present IWT regulations permit India to construct hydroelectric projects on the western river systems of Jhelum, Chenab and Indus exclusively through run-of-the-river systems. These projects must comply with specific design and operational requirements as stipulated by the IWT. The treaty additionally grants Pakistan the authority to contest design elements of Indian hydroelectric projects, as seen in 2021 with the 1000MW Pakal Dul in Kishtwar, Lower Kalnai project in Doda district, and the Durbuk Shyok and Nimu Chilling projects. Following the suspension of Article 370, Pakistan requested details about various projects in J&K and Ladakh, causing delays. Pakistan's objections regarding Kishanganga and Ratle projects have necessitated 'neutral expert' intervention for dispute resolution, significantly impeding progress-a major concern for India. Uri-II experienced delays since 2010 due to Pakistan's design-related objections. With India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, it aims to bypass this consultation process entirely. This approach could particularly benefit projects that have secured necessary domestic approvals, including technical and environmental clearances, and are solely awaiting IWT authorisation, which applies to most of the five identified projects. Various governmental bodies have begun consultations on this subject, including deliberations between the Central Water Commission, Central Electricity Authority, NHPC and the J&K Power Development Corporation. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Master Value & Valuation with ET! Learn to invest smartly & decode financials. Limited seats at 33% off – Enroll now!
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt may skip clearance process of IWT for 5 key J&K hydroelectric projects
As India keeps the Indus Waters Treaty in 'abeyance', it is looking to expedite at least five major hydroelectric power projects in Jammu & Kashmir-which can now move significantly faster if the mandated IWT clearance mechanism is skipped. ET has learnt that the Centre is discussing proceeding with the 800 MW Bursar hydroelectric power plant , the 260 MW Dulhasti II , Swalkote 1856 MW HEP, Uri Stage II- 240 MW and Kirthai II- 930 MW projects. These five projects-expected to take 3-5 years for completion-are among those identified for fast-tracking by the government in its recent round of high-level meetings in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. They also form part of India's mid-term plan on walking away from IWT. With the exception of Uri-II which recently got IWT clearance, the others are pending a go-ahead from the IWT process before India can proceed with them, ET has learnt. The Modi government's plan to fast-track these projects is aimed at fulfilling dual purposes-meet J&K power requirements, while ensuring India's strategic leverage over western river water systems, presently considerably constrained by the IWT. Together, these projects could help produce 4000MW in power-starved J&K. All, except for Uri Stage II , which is planned on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, are planned to be constructed in the Chenab valley. Swalkote is the biggest of these projects-with a 192.5-metre dam-in Ramban district, while Dulhasti Stage-II will come up in Kishtwar district, featuring an underground powerhouse (2x130 MW). The Bursar hydroelectric project is a 'storage project' planned in Kishtwar district and will allow regulation of water flow, helping enhance all other downstream projects as well during the lean flow months. Currently, the IWT allows India to build hydel projects on the western river systems of Jhelum, Chenab and Indus strictly through run-of-the-river mechanisms. These are also required to meet specific design and operation criteria, as per the IWT. The treaty further allows Pakistan to raise objections on design specifics of Indian hydel projects. This has been seen in several instances-most recently in 2021 in case of the 1000MW Pakal Dul in Kishtwar and Lower Kalnai project in Doda district besides Durbuk Shyok and Nimu Chilling. Following abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan also sought information on various projects in J&K and Ladakh, holding them up. Islamabad's objections on Kishanganga and Ratle projects have taken the matter to the 'neutral expert' for dispute resolution, delaying the pace of execution by several years-a major sore point for India. Uri-II itself was held up amid Pakistan's design-related objections since 2010. With the Centre putting the IWT in abeyance, India is looking to skip this step altogether and push ahead. That can particularly help in case of projects that have already got necessary clearances within India including technical and environmental approvals, and are just awaiting the IWT go ahead, which is the case with most of the five identified projects. The Centre is also looking at other hydel projects to ensure full exploitation of its share of waters under IWT. These will be part of the long-term steps India is expected to take as part of its three-step strategy on IWT. ET gathers that discussions have started among various agencies including the Central Water Commission, Central Electricity Authority, NHPC and J&K Power Development Corporation on this matter.
Business Mayor
27-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Govt may skip clearance process of IWT for 5 key J&K hydroelectric projects
As India keeps the Indus Waters Treaty in 'abeyance', it is looking to expedite at least five major hydroelectric power projects in Jammu & Kashmir-which can now move significantly faster if the mandated IWT clearance mechanism is skipped. ET has learnt that the Centre is discussing proceeding with the 800 MW Bursar hydroelectric power plant, the 260 MW Dulhasti II, Swalkote 1856 MW HEP, Uri Stage II- 240 MW and Kirthai II- 930 MW projects. These five projects-expected to take 3-5 years for completion-are among those identified for fast-tracking by the government in its recent round of high-level meetings in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. They also form part of India's mid-term plan on walking away from IWT. With the exception of Uri-II which recently got IWT clearance, the others are pending a go-ahead from the IWT process before India can proceed with them, ET has learnt. The Modi government's plan to fast-track these projects is aimed at fulfilling dual purposes-meet J&K power requirements, while ensuring India's strategic leverage over western river water systems, presently considerably constrained by the IWT. Together, these projects could help produce 4000MW in power-starved J&K. All, except for Uri Stage II, which is planned on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, are planned to be constructed in the Chenab valley. Swalkote is the biggest of these projects-with a 192.5-metre dam-in Ramban district, while Dulhasti Stage-II will come up in Kishtwar district, featuring an underground powerhouse (2×130 MW). The Bursar hydroelectric project is a 'storage project' planned in Kishtwar district and will allow regulation of water flow, helping enhance all other downstream projects as well during the lean flow months. Currently, the IWT allows India to build hydel projects on the western river systems of Jhelum, Chenab and Indus strictly through run-of-the-river mechanisms. These are also required to meet specific design and operation criteria, as per the IWT. The treaty further allows Pakistan to raise objections on design specifics of Indian hydel projects. This has been seen in several instances-most recently in 2021 in case of the 1000MW Pakal Dul in Kishtwar and Lower Kalnai project in Doda district besides Durbuk Shyok and Nimu Chilling. Following abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan also sought information on various projects in J&K and Ladakh, holding them up. Islamabad's objections on Kishanganga and Ratle projects have taken the matter to the 'neutral expert' for dispute resolution, delaying the pace of execution by several years-a major sore point for India. Uri-II itself was held up amid Pakistan's design-related objections since 2010. With the Centre putting the IWT in abeyance, India is looking to skip this step altogether and push ahead. That can particularly help in case of projects that have already got necessary clearances within India including technical and environmental approvals, and are just awaiting the IWT go ahead, which is the case with most of the five identified projects. The Centre is also looking at other hydel projects to ensure full exploitation of its share of waters under IWT. These will be part of the long-term steps India is expected to take as part of its three-step strategy on gathers that discussions have started among various agencies including the Central Water Commission, Central Electricity Authority, NHPC and J&K Power Development Corporation on this matter. READ SOURCE
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt may skip clearance process of IWT for 5 key J&K hydroelectric projects
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Energy 1. India considers allowing 49% foreign stakes in nuclear power plants As India keeps the Indus Waters Treaty in 'abeyance', it is looking to expedite at least five major hydroelectric power projects in Jammu & Kashmir-which can now move significantly faster if the mandated IWT clearance mechanism is has learnt that the Centre is discussing proceeding with the 800 MW Bursar hydroelectric power plant , the 260 MW Dulhasti II , Swalkote 1856 MW HEP, Uri Stage II- 240 MW and Kirthai II- 930 MW projects. These five projects-expected to take 3-5 years for completion-are among those identified for fast-tracking by the government in its recent round of high-level meetings in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. They also form part of India's mid-term plan on walking away from IWT. With the exception of Uri-II which recently got IWT clearance, the others are pending a go-ahead from the IWT process before India can proceed with them, ET has Modi government's plan to fast-track these projects is aimed at fulfilling dual purposes-meet J&K power requirements, while ensuring India's strategic leverage over western river water systems, presently considerably constrained by the IWT. Together, these projects could help produce 4000MW in power-starved J&K. All, except for Uri Stage II , which is planned on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, are planned to be constructed in the Chenab is the biggest of these projects-with a 192.5-metre dam-in Ramban district, while Dulhasti Stage-II will come up in Kishtwar district, featuring an underground powerhouse (2x130 MW). The Bursar hydroelectric project is a 'storage project' planned in Kishtwar district and will allow regulation of water flow, helping enhance all other downstream projects as well during the lean flow months. Currently, the IWT allows India to build hydel projects on the western river systems of Jhelum, Chenab and Indus strictly through run-of-the-river mechanisms. These are also required to meet specific design and operation criteria, as per the IWT. The treaty further allows Pakistan to raise objections on design specifics of Indian hydel projects. This has been seen in several instances-most recently in 2021 in case of the 1000MW Pakal Dul in Kishtwar and Lower Kalnai project in Doda district besides Durbuk Shyok and Nimu abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan also sought information on various projects in J&K and Ladakh, holding them up. Islamabad's objections on Kishanganga and Ratle projects have taken the matter to the 'neutral expert' for dispute resolution, delaying the pace of execution by several years-a major sore point for India. Uri-II itself was held up amid Pakistan's design-related objections since 2010. With the Centre putting the IWT in abeyance, India is looking to skip this step altogether and push ahead. That can particularly help in case of projects that have already got necessary clearances within India including technical and environmental approvals, and are just awaiting the IWT go ahead, which is the case with most of the five identified Centre is also looking at other hydel projects to ensure full exploitation of its share of waters under IWT. These will be part of the long-term steps India is expected to take as part of its three-step strategy on gathers that discussions have started among various agencies including the Central Water Commission, Central Electricity Authority, NHPC and J&K Power Development Corporation on this matter.
