Ratle Hydropower Project Faces Closure Threat in J&K Due to Political Interference and Labor Disputes

Srinagar: A significant hydropower development in Jammu and Kashmir faces potential shutdown as the construction company claims political meddling and attempts to organize workers to impede progress. Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), responsible for the 850 Megawatt Ratle power project, has pointed fingers at local politicians and the area's MLA for inciting residents to obstruct the project.

According to management, efforts are underway to hinder construction, with local political figures allegedly pressuring the company to employ inexperienced Kishtwar residents for highly technical positions. This project previously encountered similar challenges in 2013, resulting in work disruptions and an eight-year delay.

Tensions escalated last week when a senior company executive was attacked by a crowd and his vehicle was damaged by stones. Harpal Singh, Chief Operating Officer of MEIL, has issued an official notice warning about "suspension of construction activities for an indefinite period."

Mr. Singh has specifically accused a local MLA of encouraging people to shut down the project, stating, "An attempt to close the project is being encouraged by the local MLA and a few people not on the rolls of the company." He added that attempts to enforce work stoppages at the site are "not supported by any union functioning in the Ratle Dam Project."

A management representative revealed that two external groups have been establishing unions and agitating workers within the company. Despite MEIL already having two legitimate unions - State Centre Labour Union and Nirman Mazdoor Sangh - outsiders are reportedly creating additional unions to foment unrest.

The Ratle project represents a major hydroelectric development on the Chenab river in Kishtwar. The Rs 3,700-crore contract was awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd in April 2022.

Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by the government after the terror attack in Pahalgam in April, power project construction had received substantial momentum. With India no longer constrained by IWT agreements regarding projects on the Indus system, dams can now be constructed without requiring objections or approvals from Pakistan.

However, local political interference is currently hampering this prestigious development. An official indicated that political pressure to hire Kishtwar workers presents the greatest challenge, as the company is being forced to employ unskilled and inexperienced workers for a highly technical power project. "It is just not possible to continue like this," the official remarked.

The Ratle Power project operates as a joint venture between NHPC and the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd.