MEIL & RATLE HEP ISSUE from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

MEIL & RATLE HEP ISSUE

Why in News? Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) has stated that it may withdraw from the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir if threats, political interference, and pressure on workers are not stopped. ABOUT RATLE HEP

• Capacity: 850 MW
• Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project
• River: Chenab
• Location: Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
• Approved: 2021
• Estimated cost: 5,281.94 crore
• Scheduled commissioning: May 2026

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

• Implemented by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL)
• RHPCL is a joint venture between:
  • NHPC – 51 percent equity
  • Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) – 49 percent equity
• Construction contractor: Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Concrete gravity dam
  • Height: 133 metres
  • Length: 194.8 metres
• Includes a diversion dam
• Underground powerhouse located on the right bank of the Chenab
• Powerhouse dimensions: 168 m x 24.5 m x 49 m
• Turbine configuration:
  • Four 205 MW Francis turbine units
  • One 30 MW auxiliary turbine
• Expected annual generation: 3,137 GWh of electricity

ISSUE RAISED BY MEIL

• Workers facing threats and intimidation
• Political pressure to hire additional local workers despite no vacancies
• Interference affecting project execution
• Concern that safety and construction quality may be compromised

Triggering Incident

• On 4 December 2025, MEIL’s HR head was allegedly attacked
• The incident created fear among workers at the project site

EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

• Total workforce: 1,434
• From Kishtwar: 900
• From nearby districts: 244
• From outside the region: 215, due to specialised technical requirements

MEIL stated it cannot meet forced hiring demands when no vacancies exist.  INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

• Pakistan has repeatedly objected to the Ratle project
• Allegations claim violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960
• India maintains that Ratle is a run-of-the-river project, permissible under the Treaty

WHY THIS ISSUE MATTERS?

• Ratle is a strategically important power project for Jammu and Kashmir
• Delays or withdrawal could affect regional energy security
• Raises concerns about:
  • Law and order at infrastructure sites
  • Investment climate in sensitive regions
  • Balancing local employment and technical needs.

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