Omar Abdullah Demands Investigation into Political Interference at Rs 3,700 Crore Ratle Hydropower Project

The Ratle hydropower project experienced similar challenges in 2013, resulting in an eight-year delay.

Srinagar:

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has called for an investigation into allegations against two BJP MLAs after a Hyderabad-based infrastructure company reported interference and extortion attempts related to the Rs 3,700 crore Ratle hydropower project in Kishtwar district. The company has threatened to withdraw from the project if political interference persists.

Abdullah pointed out that if such allegations were made against his ministers, investigation agencies would have acted immediately. "The Anti-Corruption Bureau would have already conducted raids. This project is not only important for J&K but the whole country. It is a project of national importance," he emphasized.

The Chief Minister stressed that the allegations deserve thorough investigation and called for an end to political meddling in nationally significant projects. "No one should be allowed to interfere... While the name of one MLA has come up in this case, in Kishtwar, two MLAs of the Opposition (BJP) are interfering in every project," Abdullah stated.

Previously, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited, which is constructing the 850 MW Ratle power project over the Chenab river in Kishtwar, accused local politicians including an MLA of coercion.

Harpal Singh, Chief Operating Officer of MEIL, explained the situation: "Imagine building 133-meter high dam, 850 MW underground power project. But most of the people working in the project have no competence. We have been coerced to hire these workers. There has been pressure, blackmail and repeated stop work and assault on officials." He noted that of the 1,434 workers at the project, 960 are from Kishtwar alone.

Singh warned that such interference will only delay construction. Currently, all four hydropower projects under construction in Kishtwar — Pakaldul, Ratle, Koru and Kawar — are behind schedule. "It has impacted crucial national projects on the Chenab river," he said.

The Ratle project previously faced similar issues in 2013, which halted work for eight years. In 2022, the Rs 3,700-crore project was awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd.

Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by the government after the terror attack in Pahalgam in April, power project construction received significant momentum. As India is no longer bound by the IWT agreement on western rivers, dams can now be constructed without approval from Pakistan.

Singh appealed to both central and state governments to intervene to ensure smooth progress of work, warning that the company might be forced to abandon the project if problems continue. Such abandonment would cause substantial financial losses given their investments. "We have also given bank guarantee to NHPC," Singh added.