Kalnai River

The Kalnai River is a tributary of the Chenab River in the Bunjwah region bordering Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir. An under construction 48MW Lower Kalnai hydroelectric project is located at Donadi on this river.

Course
The Kalnai River originates from the confluence of the Kalgoni Stream and the rivulet from the Bunjwah area at Donadi. The river flows through the Bhalessa region.

The river continues its journey, gradually gaining strength as it moves southeastwards. After a course of approximately 25 kilometers, it reaches the town of Thathri, where it finally joins the mighty Chenab River.

Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Project
The Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Project is a proposed hydropower project located on Kalnai river in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project was awarded to a construction company in 2013 with an initial completion target of 2017. However, due to certain problems faced by the executing company, the project was delayed and left incomplete.

In response to the challenges, the State Administrative Council, nearly three years ago, sanctioned re-tendering of the project, considering factors such as the completed work, current material and equipment prices, and revised detailed project report (DPR). However, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation has not completed the re-tendering process, and there is no tangible evidence of progress.

During the meeting of the Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan, Pakistan raised objections to the designs of the Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir. They also sought more information on the projects in Ladakh that were sanctioned after the abrogation of Article 370. India, on its part, justified its stand on the designs of the project. The Lower Kalnai project, proposed in Kishtwar and Doda districts, was among the projects discussed under the Indus Waters Treaty. Both countries engaged in discussions on these issues during the annual Permanent Indus Commission meeting, which marked an important engagement between the two nations.