The largest tributary of the Chenab River is the Marusudar River. Its source is in the Nunkun Glacier in the Valwan Valley. From November 2021, the Pakal Dul Dam will be built on the other side of the river. In addition, an 800 MW Bursar hydropower project is being built on the river. The River Marusudar flows into the Chenab River in Kishtwar. The length of the river is 133 kilometers.
About Pakal Dul Dam
This dam is currently under construction. The main purpose of the dam is to generate electricity from hydroelectric power. It is located in the district of Kishtwar in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This dam will help India reach its 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030. It is being built by a joint venture between the National Hydropower Corporation and other overseas companies. The dam directs water through a 10-kilometer tunnel to the southern region. The diverted water will be used at the power plant of the Dul Hasti Dam Reservoir. Dul Hasti has a 390 MW hydroelectric power plant. It was built by the National Hydropower Corporation. In the month of November 2021, the conversion of the Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project was started.
Issue with Pakistan
According to the Pakistani government, Pakal Dul Dam violates the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan relies on downstream Chenab. According to the Indus Waters Treaty, the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers are managed by India, while the Jhelum, Indus and Chenab rivers are managed by Pakistan. The contract was signed in the year 1960 and was mediated by the World Bank.
Controversy surrounding the Marusudar River
In the year 2018, locals protested against the Bursar Dam construction project. According to environmentalists, dams will have a serious impact on the biodiversity of the region. According to an environmental impact assessment, more than 17,000 people in 18 settlements will be affected by the project. In addition, 1150 hectares of forest have been damaged. It also affects the migration of fish in the area. River fish move to shallower rivers during the colder months. Dams will prevent migration. There are several endemic fish species in the area. However, the proposal of the dam was accepted without any site visit to assess the concerns. This heightened resentment among the locals.