'Nod' to divert forest land for J&K hydel unit

Setting aside key green provisions in view of national interest, an environment ministry panel has given "in-principle" approval to divert more than 847 hectares of reserved forest and 'jungle-jhari' land for construction of the 1,856MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project in Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir.

Final approval will be subject to grant of environment clearance by the J&K govt, but the urgent move signals the intent to harness the potential of Chenab river following suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.