The Ratle Power Project (850 MW) in J&K, on the Chenab River is facing turmoil with construction firm MEIL accusing local BJP MLA, Shagun Parihar, of instigating workers and political interference, leading to assaults and work stoppage threats. Megha Engineering has blamed Local BJP MLA for stalling Ratle Power Project Work, even as the latter claims the company mistreated local workers and used unfair hiring practices, creating local labour disputes.
This 133m dam project, a JV between NHPC & JKSPDC, aims for significant clean energy but is embroiled in political and labour conflicts, stalling construction despite technical progress. A multi-billion rupee hydropower project coming up in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir has run into trouble after a private company involved in the construction accused the Bhartiya Janta Party’s (BJP’s) “local MLA” of stalling the project.
In a notice on Friday (December 12), Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), a Hyderabad-based construction company which was the second biggest purchaser of electoral bonds, alleged that “attempts” were being made to close the Ratle power project which has been identified as a “project of national importance“.Drabshalla falls in Kishtwar assembly constituency from which the new BJP entrant Shagun Parihar was elected in last year’s assembly election. Parihar could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
According to reports, the project has also been hit by worker management issues since last year. The official car of a senior MEIL official was stoned in Drabshalla earlier this week which seems to have aggravated the crisis.Without mention of any names, the MEIL said on Friday that the alleged attempts to close the project were “encouraged by local MLA and few people not on the rolls of the company”.“Any form of strike or work stoppage is strictly prohibited and will be considered a breach of contract. Participation in a strike will lead to serious consequences including but not limited to termination of employment, legal action and suspension of Ratle dam construction for an indefinite period,” it said. A senior MEIL official said that the construction work was likely to be halted which could impact the May 2026 deadline of the Ratle project.
As the issue has erupted into a controversy, J&K Congress has demanded probe into the matter. On the other hand Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the power projects under execution in the Union territory are construction works of national importance and law enforcement agencies should take action against anyone obstructing those.
Abdullah said, “Had this accusation been levelled against one of my ministers, the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) would have already conducted raids. These are projects of national importance, and no interference should be allowed.” “So far, the name of only one MLA is being mentioned, but two opposition MLAs are interfering in all projects in Kishtwar district,” he alleged. The chief minister said several departments are yet to be transferred to the elected government. “I am the power minister, but the power development corporation is not with the elected government,” he said.
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