Marusudar River

The Marusudar River is the largest tributary of Chenab River. Its source in the Nunkun Glacier located in Warwan valley. As of November 2021, the Pakal Dul Dam is under construction across the river. Also, 800 MW Bursar Hydroelectric power project is under construction on the river. The Marusudar River joins the Chenab River at Kishtwar. The river is 133 kilometres long.

Controversies

In 2018, the locals protested against the construction of the Bursar Dam Project. According to the environmentalists, the dam will have serious impacts on the biodiversity of the region. The Environmental Impact Assessment says that the project will affect more than 17,000 people in 18 hamlets. Also, it will damage 1150 hectares of forest area. It will also affect the fish migration in the region. The fish in the river migrate to the plain areas of the river during cold season. The dam will obstruct the migration. The region has several endemic fish species. However, the dam proposal was accepted without a site visit. This increased the indignation among the locals.

Pakal Dul Dam

The dam is under construction. The main purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation. It is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The dam will help India fulfilling its 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030. It is constructed by the joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and other foreign companies. The dam will divert water to the southern regions through a ten-kilometre-long tunnel. The diverted waters are to be used in the power station on the reservoir of Dul Hasti Dam. The Dul Hasti has a 390 MW of hydroelectric power station. It was built by the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation. In November 2021, the diversion of the Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project was inaugurated.

Pakistan issue with the dam

According to the Pakistan Government, the Pakal Dul Dam is a violation of Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan relies on Chenab downstream. According to the Indus Water Treaty, the Beas, Sutlej and Ravi rivers are to be controlled by India and Chenab, Indus and Jhelum are to be controlled by India. The treaty was signed in 1960. It was brokered by World Bank.