Kirthai Stage-II Hydroelectric Project Revived
- Context: The Government of India has revived the long-pending Kirthai Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River.
- The project is located in Kishtwar District.
Reason for Revival
- The project has been revived following India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
- Several hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir have been accelerated after the suspension of the treaty.
Project Details
- Project Name: Kirthai Stage-II Hydroelectric Project.
- Installed Capacity: 930 MW.
- River: Chenab River.
- Location: Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Historical Background
- The project was first conceived in 1984.
- It remained stalled for decades due to various procedural and treaty-related issues.
Significance
- Enhances hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Strengthens energy security and infrastructure development.
- Supports greater utilization of the waters of the Chenab River.
- Expected to contribute to regional economic development and employment generation.
About Chenab River
- The Chenab River is one of the major rivers of the Indus River system and serves as an important tributary of the Indus.
- The river originates from the meeting of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in the Lahaul–Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.
- In its upper course, the river is commonly referred to as the Chandrabhaga.
Course of the River
- The Chenab flows through Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- After being joined by the Jhelum River near Trimmu in Pakistan, it eventually merges with the Sutlej River.
Important Tributaries
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- Left-Bank Tributaries Niru, Tawi, Neeru, Liddrari.
- Right-Bank Tributaries: Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai, Marusudar, Miyar Nalla.
Major Hydroelectric and Dam Projects
Important dams and hydropower projects constructed on the Chenab River include:
- Salal Dam – Rockfill dam.
- Dul Hasti Project.
- Baglihar Dam.
- Aalal Hydroelectric Project – Concrete dam.
Great Nicobar Island Development Project (GNIDP)
- Context: India plans to invest approximately ₹13,000 crore under the Great Nicobar Island Development Project (GNIDP).
- The project includes the construction of a dual-use greenfield airport and runway for both civilian aviation and Indian Navy operations.
- The project is expected to be completed within five years.
- Funding will be shared by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Four Major Components
The project comprises four key components:
- International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP)
- Joint-user Greenfield Airport and Naval Air Station
- Modern Township
- Power Plant
- These components aim to transform Great Nicobar into a major maritime, economic, and strategic hub.
Strategic Importance
- Great Nicobar Island is located just 40 km from the Six Degree Channel, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
- The Six Degree Channel connects the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca.
- The project is intended to:
- Strengthen India’s maritime security.
- Enhance India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Improve monitoring of critical Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).
- Reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports.
- Improve logistics and rapid military deployment capabilities.
Greenfield Airport
- The proposed airport has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
- It will be operated by the Indian Navy.
- Expected benefits include:
- Enhanced maritime domain awareness.
- Improved logistics support.
- Faster deployment of defence assets.
- Promotion of tourism in the islands.
Environmental and Tribal Safeguards
- The project underwent extensive environmental assessments.
- Institutions involved include:
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
FSSAI Advisory
- Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Western Region has directed all food business operators to stop using newspapers for packing or serving food items.
Reason for Newspapers Should Not Be Used
Chemical Contamination
- Printing inks contain harmful chemicals such as: Lead, Heavy metals, Chemical pigments.
- These substances can migrate into food and pose long-term health risks.
Hygiene Concerns
- Newspapers are often exposed to: Dust, Dirt, Moisture, Microbial contamination.
- This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Regulatory Provision
- The use of newspapers for food packaging is prohibited under the: Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018
- Newspapers and similar non-food-grade materials cannot be used for: Storing food, Wrapping food, Serving food.
- All food business operators must use only approved food-grade packaging materials.
About FSSAI
- Constituted as an autonomous statutory body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Headquarters at New Delhi.
- Functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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- Formulates science-based food standards and oversees the regulation of food production, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure food safety.
- Grants licences and registrations to Food Business Operators (FBOs) and monitors compliance with food safety norms.
- Consists of a Chairperson and 22 members, with at least one-third of the members being women.
