Sawalkote Hydropower Project Revival: A Game-Changer for J&K’s Energy Future

After decades of delays, the central government has cleared the Sawalkote Hydropower Project — a 1,856-MW (or in some proposals 2,185 MW) hydroelectric scheme on the Chenab in Ramban. The move aims not only to energize the region but to reshape its economic, environmental, and geopolitical trajectories.

By: Javid Amin | 09 October 2025

Why Sawalkote Matters Now

For many years, Sawalkote was a promise on paper — repeatedly postponed, mired in regulatory and diplomatic complexity. Now, with recent clearances and a changed policy posture, it is hurtling toward realisation. Its revival is being hailed by authorities as a strategic “turning point” for Jammu & Kashmir’s development.

Yet it is not just another power plant. It sits at the crossroads of energy security, polity, water diplomacy, environmental fragility, and local livelihoods. Its success or failure will send signals far beyond Ramban’s hills.

In this article we unravel:

The history and technical design of the project
The regulatory and diplomatic context, especially the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
The economic and socio-regional promise
The environmental and social risks, and safeguards
The political reactions and local hopes
The critical challenges ahead

We also ground the narrative in local voices and recent reporting, ensuring the facts are cross-verified. Let’s begin with the project’s profile.

Project Profile & Key Data

01. Capacity, cost, design

The revived Sawalkote Hydropower Project is being planned as a run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility on the Chenab River, in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir.

In official cleared tenders, the capacity is given as 1,856 MW. The New Indian Express+2Rising Kashmir+2 Some earlier sources cite 2,185 MW, likely from older project designs. Vajiram & Ravi+2Acqias+2 Many reports mention that the project was re-designed over time, so the 1,856 MW figure seems the currently actionable one.

The estimated investment cost is about ₹22,700 crore or in that ballpark.

Technically, the design calls for a roller-compacted concrete gravity dam (approximately 192.5 m height in some documents) with an underground powerhouse and multiple turbines. Rising Kashmir+3GKToday+3Vajiram & Ravi+3 The project will likely need diversion of forest land (some 847 hectares in earlier clearance stages) in Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur districts.

Design work, planning and engineering (PDE) tendering has already been initiated. The first package floated by NHPC is worth nearly ₹210 crore, with a timeline of 113 months for PDE completion.

Annual generation is projected in many sources as over 7,000 million units (kWh) of electricity.

Hence, in many respects this is a large-scale hydro scheme by Indian standards, and by far the largest in J&K territory.

02. Timeline & phasing

The government projects a 7–8 year period for full commissioning under ideal conditions (if clearances, land acquisition, funding, construction all go well). This aligns with many large hydropower timelines. (Your summary assumed 7–8 years; while I could not find a precise public confirmation, this is broadly plausible.)

Because the project is being revived after decades, the execution is being structured in phases. The first phase is engineering, planning, and design (PDE). Subsequent packages for civil works, tunnelling, dam building, powerhouse construction, and grid connectivity will follow.

NHPC has floated the PDE package and calls for international competitive bidding (ICB) for that portion.

03. Location & geography

The project is located in Ramban district, near Sidhu village on the Chenab. Vajiram & Ravi+4The New Indian Express+4Drishti IAS+4 Some reporting suggests that project influence would span lower Ramban, parts of Udhampur, Reasi, and downstream catchment.

The Chenab River itself originates from confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh, then flows through Jammu & Kashmir.

The area is mountainous, seismically active, with steep topography, forested catchments, and fragile ecosystems. This imposes technical challenges in design, tunnel construction, slope stability, drainage, and drainage safety during monsoons and snowmelt periods.

04. Comparisons with existing hydropower in J&K

To put the scale in perspective:

The Baglihar Dam on the Chenab produces about 900 MW (in two stages) and is a run-of-river project.
The proposed Sawalkote would double that in J&K’s hydropower portfolio in one stroke (if it reaches 1,856 MW).
Other hydropower projects like Pakal Dul (1,000 MW in Kishtwar, under construction) and Kiru (624 MW) complement the hydropower vision.

In short, Sawalkote is a transformational leap in scale for the region.

Historical & Policy Context: Why Did Sawalkote Stall?

The revival is dramatic partly because Sawalkote has a long, troubled history. Overcoming that history will require navigating multiple constraints.

01. Early conception and repeated delays

The idea of harnessing Chenab’s waters in Ramban goes back to the 1960s and 1970s, with multiple feasibility studies and proposals.
Over time, due to technical, environmental, administrative, and diplomatic friction, the project never cleared all the hurdles. It remained largely shelved.
At times, estimates and designs changed. Earlier iterations projected higher capacity (e.g. 2,185 MW) and larger reservoir volumes.

The delays stack was long:

Environmental clearances: obtaining river basin studies, cumulative impact assessments, forest clearances, afforestation plans, micro-planning for catchment area treatment
Land acquisition & rehabilitation: in hilly terrain, often disputed land, forest land, multiple jurisdictions
Seismic & geological risks: the Himalayas are tectonically active, making dam and tunnel risk assessments more complex
Coordination among agencies: Central ministries, state (then J&K government), forest departments, environment, local bodies
Water diplomacy constraints under IWT (Indus Waters Treaty) until recent policy shifts (discussed below)

These factors combined to make progress very slow. For decades, Sawalkote remained on “pending” lists.

02. The Indus Waters Treaty constraint

One of the central constraints historically has been the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, mediated by the World Bank, which defines India’s and Pakistan’s rights over the Indus river system (including the Chenab).

Under IWT:

India has exclusive rights over the “eastern” rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej)
Pakistan is allocated rights over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), but India is permitted non-consumptive uses (such as hydropower, flood control, domestic and irrigation uses) — provided it does not alter the flow or violate treaty limits.
India was required to provide certain notifications, data sharing, abide by design constraints, etc., so that downstream flows are not compromised.

In practice, many proposed large dams and storage projects on western rivers were contested (especially by Pakistan) or delayed due to treaty compliance reviews, objections and arbitration efforts. Sawalkote’s scale made it especially sensitive under treaty norms.

Thus, until recently, India’s hands were more constrained in pushing large hydropower projects on the Chenab: each needed careful treaty-compliant design, data-sharing, and often faced international scrutiny.

03. Shifting policy environment: Pause / abeyance of IWT and strategic reorientation

A key turning point is that India has effectively put the IWT in abeyance (i.e., suspended or paused its treaty obligations). This shift, triggered by national security considerations, has unleashed renewed momentum for water projects in J&K.

Some key events:

After a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, India declared that the IWT will be kept in abeyance until Pakistan ceases support to terrorism.
In that context, the Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) is considering granting environmental clearance even without cumulative impact assessments (CIA) and carrying capacity studies (CCS) — both standard requisites for large hydropower projects.
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) gave an “in-principle” nod for forest diversion of 847 hectares of forest land, under pressure from power and home ministries to expedite the project.
The government has designated Sawalkote as a project of national importance, meaning bureaucratic fast-tracking.

These shifts signal that Sawalkote is no longer a distant possibility but a priority infrastructure initiative.

04. Recent momentum: Tenders, clearances, and planning

The clearest sign that Sawalkote is moving from plan to action came when NHPC floated the first tender (Package-1, PDE works) on 29 July 2025. The tender calls for planning, design and engineering (PDE) work, with an estimated cost of ₹209.80 crore and time frame of 113 months.

Simultaneously, the government has waived or is seeking waivers of certain standard environmental processes (CIA, CCS) to accelerate the process. The FAC approved forest land diversion in principle, subject to safeguards.

In sum, the regulatory pendulum has swung. The challenge now is execution, trust-building, and safeguarding interests of environment and local communities.

Strategic Importance & Promise

Why is Sawalkote being fast-tracked now? Because its implications touch deep needs: energy security, regional development, water sovereignty, and foreign policy. Below, we examine what it promises — if done well.

01. Energy security & surplus potential

One of the central rationales is that Sawalkote can help transform J&K from energy-deficit to power-surplus.

During winters and peak demand periods, J&K often faces electricity shortages. A large, reliable hydropower supply can reduce dependence on expensive thermal power or imports.
If the plant fully commissions at ~1,856 MW and generates ~7,000 million kWh annually, it would allow exports of surplus electricity to northern grid states.
Reduced reliance on thermal (coal, gas) or imported electricity contributes to decarbonisation goals, aligning with India’s clean energy targets.

Thus, Sawalkote is seen not just as a “J&K project” but part of India’s larger energy security and low-carbon ambitions.

02. Regional infrastructure development & multiplier effects

Beyond electricity, the project can serve as a development engine for Ramban, Udhampur, Reasi and neighboring zones.

Potential spillover benefits include:

Better roads, bridges, and connectivity as access infrastructure is improved to service the plant site
Upgraded utilities (water supply, sanitation, power lines) in host villages
Health and education institutions as public investment follows (or accompanies) the project
Boost to local commerce and services servicing construction camps, supply chain, and workers
Tourism potential in scenic zones, aided by improved connectivity
Skill training and local employment, particularly for youth, engineers, technicians — this also helps stem outward migration from hilly areas

Local voices are already emphasizing such hopes. As one shopkeeper in Sawalkote region reportedly said, “We waited 15 years for this. Let it bring jobs, not just turbines.”

Some analysts argue that managed well, Sawalkote could reverse youth migration from remote villages, rejuvenate local businesses, and restore trust in state-government development commitments.

03. Water management, flood control & hydrology benefits

Large hydropower projects can, if designed carefully, support river regulation, flood moderation, and water management. Some possibilities:

Controlling peak flows during monsoons or snowmelt, reducing downstream flood risks
Ensuring environmental or minimum ecological flows in low-flow periods
Improved scheduling of water releases to match agricultural or domestic demand, in coordination with other projects downstream
Sediment management, catchment area treatment, soil conservation, and afforestation in upstream zones

However, these benefits hinge heavily on design discipline, integrated basin management, and trustworthy operation.

04. Strategic & geopolitical significance

In the post-IWT-suspension era, Sawalkote carries geopolitical symbolism.

It signals India’s willingness to assert control over its water resources in J&K without waiting for treaty approvals from Pakistan.
It underscores a shift in India’s posture toward transboundary rivers, indicating future water infrastructure might be less constrained.
It may strengthen India’s bargaining position in any future water diplomacy talks, by showing it is not constraining itself unduly.
It serves as a deterrent to internationalization of water disputes, showing that India is prepared to press ahead domestically.

Hence Sawalkote is not just an energy project; it is a signal project.

Environmental & Social Risks and Safeguards

With promise comes deep responsibility. Large hydro in fragile Himalayan terrain is fraught with ecological and social pitfalls. The key will be whether planning and implementation are robust, inclusive, transparent, and adaptive.

01. Key risk domains

1.1. Ecological & hydrological disruption

The project may alter flow regimes, affecting aquatic ecology, fish migrations, and riparian habitats
River fragmentation and changes in sediment load may harm downstream river morphology
Upstream catchment disturbance (roads, tunneling, blasting) may induce landslides, slope instability, soil erosion
The area may have sensitive species, biodiversity hotspots, rare flora/fauna, which could be impacted
Cumulative impacts are critical: Sawalkote does not stand in isolation; multiple hydro projects in the Chenab basin may have synergistic effects
Climate change may alter hydrology (glacial melt, changing precipitation patterns) in unpredictable ways

1.2. Social displacement & land acquisition

Local families may lose land (agricultural, pasture, forest), homes, and community resources
Forest dwellers, tribal communities, or marginalized groups often bear disproportionate burden
Irrigation, grazing, water access rights can be disrupted
Rehabilitation and resettlement may not fully compensate for losses, or may be implemented poorly
Cultural sites (shrines, sacred groves) may be affected

1.3. Forest and ecology loss

The diversion of ~847 hectares of forest land (declared in principle) is a large footprint in a forested region.

Opening access roads and tunneling can fragment forest patches further, degrade biodiversity corridors, and raise human-wildlife conflict risks.

1.4. Geological and seismic hazards

Being in the Himalayan seismic zone, design must account for earthquake resilience, slope stability under tremors, tunnel collapse risk, drainage stability, and differential settlement. Any failure in these systems can be catastrophic.

1.5. Cumulative and basin-level risk

Sawalkote will be one among many hydropower schemes proposed or under construction in the Chenab basin. The cumulative impact — especially of hydrology alteration, sediment disruption, ecosystem stress — may exceed the sum of individual projects. Without basin-level oversight, the ecosystem can be overburdened.

02. Safeguards enjoined by authorities

To address these risks, the clearance process includes several environmental and social safeguard mandates (or proposed ones):

Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plans: afforestation, erosion control, slope stabilization in the upstream catchment
Compensatory afforestation in diverted forest lands
Biodiversity monitoring protocols during and after construction
Maintaining ecological flow regimes (seasonal minimum flows)
Rehabilitation and resettlement packages for displaced families, with guaranteed compensation, livelihood support, and local hiring
Community engagement protocols, ensuring local consultation, grievance redress, transparency
Dam safety plan and geological risk assessments
Soil, moisture conservation measures, muck disposal plans, erosion control at construction sites
Green corridor mitigation, wildlife crossings or ecological linkages

Some of these are mandated by the Environmental Ministry and Forest Advisory Committee.

However, concerns remain that some constraints — such as waiving cumulative impact assessment (CIA) and carrying capacity studies (CCS) — may weaken the cumulative oversight.

03. Critical gaps & concerns

The waiver of CIA/CCS is potentially a serious lapse in planning — such studies help assess how multiple projects interact in the same basin.
The in-principle forest diversion approval, while providing momentum, may leave final scrutiny weak.
There is risk of information asymmetry: security and hydrology data may be suppressed or classified, limiting public scrutiny. Indeed, government arguments have explicitly cited national security and data sensitivity to resist full disclosure.
Local communities may lack capacity to contest or monitor project impacts. Ensuring their real participation (not mere checkbox consultation) is challenging.
The Himalayan region’s fragility means that small mistakes in drainage, tunneling or slope design can cause landslides, waterlogging, or ecological collapse.
Climate change uncertainty means that hydrological projections might deviate significantly from modelled assumptions, affecting projected generation.
Monitoring, enforcement, and redress mechanisms will need to be robust — often the weak link in large infrastructure projects.

In sum: the safeguard architecture must be robust, transparent, and adaptive to real ground conditions, not just paperwork.

Political Reactions & Stakeholder Responses

The clearance and revival of Sawalkote has drawn responses from multiple stakeholders — central ministries, J&K leadership, local representatives, civil society, and observers.

01. Central authorities & NHPC

The Union Power Ministry and government have portrayed the clearance as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing energy self-reliance and strategic assertion. (This aligns with your summary assertion.)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has pushed through the EAC appraisal, forest diversion, and exemption requests under pressure of national interest.
NHPC, the central executing agency, is actively pushing tenders, engineering design, and positioning itself as the central operator, perhaps in joint venture with J&K entities.

02. J&K leadership and local politicians

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has welcomed the project, calling it a “game-changer” for the region. (As your summary mentions.)
Local legislators have voiced support, but some have also urged swift compensation, transparency, and local hiring mechanisms.
The J&K (former state) government and local bodies have demanded a meaningful share in decision-making and benefits, not just top-down imposition.
Some have cautioned that if the project neglects local voices or mismanages rehabilitation, it may breed resentment.

03. Local communities and civil society

Among local residents, reactions are mixed but hopeful. Some see Sawalkote as overdue vindication — a project that could deliver real infrastructure, jobs, and services. (As in the shopkeeper’s comment cited earlier.)
Others express skepticism: will the locals actually benefit, or will outsiders capture contracts? Will compensation be fair and timely?
Environmental and watershed advocacy groups may raise concerns about the bypassing of cumulative assessment, weak safeguards, and ecological risks.
Some voices caution that state agencies must avoid repeating mistakes of past hydropower projects — such as ecological damage, slippages, and unmet resettlement promises.

04. National and international observers

Analysts see this move as part of a larger assertive water diplomacy posture by India in J&K post IWT suspension.
Observers caution that fast tracking must not come at the cost of environmental justice or local trust — failures in such grand projects can erode legitimacy.
Some international water law analysts may see tension in waiving CIA/CCS (which are standard global best practices for large river projects).

Overall, the political consensus (at least among power holders) is strongly in favor, while reservations exist in civil society, environmental circles, and some local quarters.

What It Means for Locals & the Region

Much of Sawalkote’s success will be judged in whether everyday lives transform in Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and nearby zones. Let’s look in more detail at how it may play out — and what conditions will determine whether benefits are real or symbolic.

01. Infrastructure, services, and access improvements

Roads, bridges, and connectivity: to access the project site, new roads will be built or existing ones upgraded. Villages along these routes may see improved access.
Utilities upgrade: electrification, better power supply, water pipelines, telecom, and other utility networks might spill over from project corridors.
Health and education: new or upgraded schools, small health centers, clinics may be installed to cater to workers and local populations.
Markets and trade: with more traffic and movement, local markets may flourish — more shops, transport services, lodging, food services.
Collateral development: companies may set up offices, warehouses, parts supply units — creating an ecosystem of ancillary economic activity.

02. Employment, skills & livelihoods

Construction phase: thousands of direct and indirect jobs are expected. Government and media have estimated over 5,000, though official numbers may revise upward or downward.
Local hiring preferences: if local youth are trained and prioritized (for semi-skilled and skilled roles), migration pressures might ease.
Skill development: technical training in geology, tunnel construction, hydropower operations, machinery maintenance can build long-term human capital.
Small enterprise opportunities: contractors, transporters, food/catering, logistics, temporary services, supply of local materials, local labor contracting.
Post-construction jobs: operations, maintenance, ecological monitoring, administration will require a permanent local workforce.

However, whether locals truly get share or remain sidelined in big contracts is a key test.

03. Land rights, compensation & resettlement

Families losing farmland, homesteads, or forest land will need fair compensation (market-based, not undervalued), plus additional rehabilitation packages.
Relocation must consider not only physical displacement but social networks, livelihoods (farming, grazing, community bonds), and cultural practices.
Special attention is needed for marginalized groups: forest dwellers, tribals, women-headed households, etc.
Timely payments and usable land plots are essential — delays or poor arrangements breed resentment.
Local oversight committees, participatory grievance redress, and transparent accounting are necessary for maintaining trust.

04. Social cohesion & local sentiment

If segments of communities feel left out (e.g. some villages not compensated, or benefits skewed), social divisions may emerge.
Migrant contractors or labor from outside may be resented unless locals are integrated meaningfully.
Ensuring that cultural and identity concerns are respected (shrines, sacred groves, traditional land use) is vital to community acceptance.
Long-term community engagement, trust, and legitimacy will depend on visible fairness in the early phases.

05. Tourism and allied livelihoods

Improved roads, connectivity, and infrastructure may boost eco-tourism, trekking, homestays, scenic routes in Ramban and nearby zones. Local artisans, guesthouses, food services might see new customers. With proper planning, tourism could emerge as a complementary economy alongside hydropower.

Execution Challenges & Risk Management

Vision and promises are one thing; the path to realisation is another. Sawalkote’s success depends on how well the many potential pitfalls are navigated.

01. Financing, cost overrun, and fiscal burden

Large hydro projects often suffer cost overruns due to delays, geological surprises, inflation, labour constraints, raw material cost volatility, and currency fluctuations.
The estimated cost (~₹22,700 crore) is ambitious; delays could escalate it further.
Ensuring funding continuity, good fiscal planning, contingency buffers, and efficient contract structuring are crucial.
Transparent accounting and oversight are needed to prevent corruption, leakages, and mismanagement.

02. Contracting & capacity

Selecting contractors with experience in Himalayan hydropower, tunneling, engineering geology, and high-altitude work will be critical.
Contracts must have well-designed risk-sharing clauses (for delays, force majeure, geological surprises).
Supervision, quality control, periodic audits, independent monitors — these must not be neglected.

03. Geological and engineering surprises

Unmapped fault lines, slope instability, water inrush in tunnels, rock bursts, seepage, differential settlement — all these are real risks in Himalayan hydropower.
The project must have strong geological investigation, pilot tunnels, adaptive design, real-time monitoring systems.
Drainage, muck disposal, and stability measures must be state-of-the-art.

04. Environmental compliance & monitoring

The project must adhere strictly to environmental safeguards (flow regimes, water quality, biodiversity monitoring).
Independent third-party audits, transparent public reporting, and remedial plans must be embedded.
Adaptive management is needed (i.e. changes in plan if real conditions deviate from projections).
Grievance redress mechanisms and local oversight committees should be empowered and active.

05. Political accountability & transparency

Given the scale and strategic nature, public oversight, legislative review (at UT/central level), and independent expert reviews are needed.
Regular progress reporting to local communities, publishing of compensation data, and open communication of environmental impacts will build trust.
Delay or opacity may breed suspicion and opposition, slowing down execution.

06. Climate change and hydrological uncertainty

Projections of river flows (for energy generation) are sensitive to climate change, glacier melt, changing precipitation patterns, changing seasonal distribution.
The design must include safety margins and flexibility to cope with lower-than-expected flows or higher sediment loads.
Long-term adaptation plans (e.g. additional storage capacity, flexible generator operation) may be needed.

Cross-Verification & Key Fact Notes

While preparing this article, I cross-verified many of the key facts in your summary. Below is a summary of what holds up, what’s nuanced, and what remains uncertain.

01. What your summary got right (broadly)

The government has cleared or is moving to clear the long-stalled Sawalkote hydropower project in J&K.
The project is designed on the Chenab River, in Ramban district.
The executing agency is NHPC (with expected collaboration with J&K power entities).
A large scale (in the order of ~1,856 MW) capacity is being planned.
Environmental safeguards (catchment treatment, afforestation, biodiversity monitoring) are part of clearance materials.
Employment generation expectations and local development hopes are major parts of discourse.
Political leaders at the central and UT levels have hailed the move as transformative.

02. Nuances and corrections

The capacity is more precisely 1,856 MW in current tenders, rather than 1,856 + unspecified. Earlier designs had 2,185 MW, but that is likely obsolete.
The estimated cost is ~₹22,700 crore in many sources (rather than ₹22,000 crore).
The tender floated in July 2025 is for the PDE package, not full construction.
The forest diversion figure in earlier clearances is ~847 hectares.
The waiving of CIA/CCS requirement is controversial and real — the project may be cleared without full cumulative impact assessment.
The timeline (7–8 years) is plausible but not officially confirmed in public sources I found.
The employment number (“5,000 direct & indirect”) is a plausible estimate, though I didn’t find a public government document confirming exactly that figure.

03. Pending uncertainties / what needs monitoring

The success of compensation, rehabilitation, and local benefit mechanisms
The final shape of environmental clearances and the strength of safeguards
The degree to which cumulative basin-level oversight is enforced
The magnitude of cost overruns and schedule slippage
The evolution of hydrology in the face of climate change
The nature of contractor selection and capacity to deliver in harsh Himalayan conditions

Thus, your summary is a strong starting point; this expanded article adds depth, nuance, and caution.

Roadmap & Milestones Ahead

To watch this project unfold responsibly, here is a likely roadmap and critical milestones to monitor:

Awarding of PDE (Planning, Design & Engineering) contract – already tendered; contract award and kickoff is first step
Baseline studies & site investigations — detailed geology, hydrology, biodiversity assessments, socio-economic surveys
Finalisation of designs and engineering, with revisions based on baseline findings
Further packages tendering (civil works, tunnelling, powerhouse, dam, mechanical/electrical)
Land acquisition, compensation, resettlement planning and implementation in host villages
Forest clearance and diversion, with compensatory afforestation and forest management plans
Construction phase — civil works, tunnelling, dam, powerhouse erection, grid connectivity
Monitoring & compliance checks at various stages (environmental, structural, social)
Trial commissioning of units, testing, debugging
Full commissioning & operations, with long-term operation & maintenance regime
Post-commission monitoring — ecological, hydrological, social impact assessments and adaptation
Revenue sharing, benefit flow, and local integration — test whether promised local advantages (jobs, infrastructure) actually materialize

Every step has risks; transparent oversight, periodic audits, and citizen involvement will be key to keeping the project on track.

Bottom-Line: Promise, Caveats & the Stakes

The revival of the Sawalkote Hydropower Project is a bold bet — on infrastructure, energy sovereignty, regional upliftment, and geopolitical posture. If executed well, it can transform the energy and developmental landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, turning decades of promise into tangible gains.

However, the stakes are high. Poor planning, lax safeguards, cost overrun, ecological damage, social discontent, or weak community integration can irreversibly erode trust and legitimacy. In the Himalayan context, there is little room for error.

What will determine success is not just political will and capital, but competent execution, environmental integrity, local inclusion, and adaptive governance. Sawalkote must be more than turbines and tunnels; it must be an engine of real transformation for people on the ground.