Chenab River Diverted for 850MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in J&K

Current Context: The 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir with the successful diversion of the Chenab River through diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in Kishtwar district.

• This event took place at 11:30 AM on January 27, 2024.
• The river diversion will enable isolation of the dam area at the river bed, which is a critical step for starting the excavation and construction of the dam.
• This move is expected to expedite project construction activities and help in minimizing delays, facilitating all efforts to meet the scheduled commissioning date of May 2026.
• The Ratle Project is being executed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a Joint Venture of NHPC Limited and the Government of J&K, with a shareholding of 51:49 percent, respectively.
• The project was sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in January 2021, at a total cost of Rs. 5281.94 crores.

Question:

Q.1 Which river was diverted for the Ratle Hydro Electric Project?
a. Jhelum River
b. Indus River
c. Chenab River
d. Ravi River