Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Sunday (January 4, 2026) directed sediment removal at the Salal Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure maximum utilisation of water resources, in the wake of the Indus Waters Treaty being kept in abeyance between India and Pakistan. He also toured power projects in Kishtwar amid an ongoing controversy.
While visiting the Salal Power Project, operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Mr. Lal called for “expediting the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir”.
Located on the Chenab river in Reasi district, the direction follows the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty last year. Officials said the removal of accumulated silt was aimed at “maximising optimal utilisation of water resources”.
Mr. Lal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered a clear message to Pakistan by keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance last year. “Water of Chenab and Indus will be used for benefit of our own people,” he said.
He also said no person with an unlawful background would be engaged in the ongoing hydel power projects in Kishtwar. “Employment will be provided only to verified and law-abiding workers. Good people should get work. Those with unlawful backgrounds will not be engaged. Any information regarding workers will be verified through institutions. No adverse inputs have been received so far,” he added.
