Why in news?
On 22 February 2026 a temporary suspension of Stage I operations at the Baglihar Hydropower Project on the Chenab river was announced due to flooding. Stage II generation continues while engineers conduct repairs. The 900‑megawatt plant is a vital source of electricity for Jammu and Kashmir and northern India.
Background
The Baglihar Hydroelectric Project is a run‑of‑river dam located in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Construction began in 1999 and the first 450‑MW stage became operational in 2008. A second 450‑MW stage was commissioned in 2015. The project diverts water through tunnels to an underground powerhouse before returning it to the Chenab river. Baglihar is part of a series of hydro schemes on the river, which originates in the Himalayas and flows into Pakistan as a tributary of the Indus.
Details of the shutdown
- Reason for suspension: Heavy snowfall and rainfall in the upper catchment of the Chenab caused a surge in river flows, leading to inundation of the intake structure. Stage I units were shut down to prevent damage to turbines and electrical equipment.
- Maintenance and repairs: Engineers are inspecting the dam’s intake gates, desilting chambers and control systems. Sediment removal and reinforcement of flood protection measures are underway.
- Continued power generation: Stage II units remain operational, supplying about 450 MW of power. Authorities expect Stage I to resume after safety checks and repairs are completed.
Additional facts about Baglihar
- Design and dimensions: The concrete gravity dam stands about 143 metres high and 317 metres long. It creates a small reservoir but relies largely on the river’s flow.
- Powerhouse: Each stage contains three Francis turbines, each producing 150 MW. Water is transported via 3–4 kilometre‑long headrace tunnels to an underground cavern housing the generators.
- Strategic importance: Baglihar is one of several hydropower projects on the Chenab, which is shared by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Efficient operation is critical for meeting regional electricity demand and managing water flows.
Conclusion
The temporary shutdown of Baglihar’s Stage I underscores the vulnerability of hydropower projects to extreme weather. Prompt maintenance and resilience measures are essential to ensure continuous power supply and safeguard infrastructure on Himalayan rivers.
Source: The Times of India
