Hydroelectric power projects operating in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district have spent more than ₹24 crore (₹2,400 lakh) on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the past five financial years, focusing on education, healthcare, sanitation and rural infrastructure. However, the Ministry of Power has confirmed that no independent social audit has been conducted to assess the impact of these CSR activities.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
₹24 Crore Spent on CSR Since FY22
According to the Ministry of Power, hydropower projects in Kishtwar collectively allocated over ₹2,400 lakh towards CSR activities between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26.
Among the major contributors:
- NHPC’s Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project: ₹2,046.82 lakh
- Ratle Hydroelectric Project: ₹123.30 lakh
- Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar Hydroelectric Projects: Around ₹161 lakh combined
Education and Healthcare Receive Major Focus
The ministry stated that CSR beneficiaries are selected based on project objectives and the needs of local communities.
Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project
CSR initiatives included:
- Construction and repair of schools
- Educational infrastructure development
- Healthcare services
- Ambulance facilities
- NHPC hospitals and dispensaries
- Hostel facilities
- Approach roads
- Yatri infrastructure
- Sanitation projects
A significant share of the spending was directed towards strengthening educational institutions.
Ratle Hydroelectric Project
The project supported:
- Medical camps
- Ambulance services
- Distribution of medicines
- Scholarships and educational kits
- School renovation
- Sports activities
- Solar lighting
- Rural road construction
- Environmental conservation initiatives
- Cultural programmes
Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar Projects
CSR activities included:
- Water storage and purification systems in schools
- Toilet renovation
- Medical camps
- Strengthening Primary Health Centres
- Drinking water facilities
- Radiography equipment for District Hospital Kishtwar
- Health awareness programmes in project-affected villages
No Independent Social Audit
Despite the substantial CSR expenditure, the Ministry of Power informed Parliament that no independent social audit has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness, outcomes or community impact of the CSR initiatives undertaken by these hydropower projects.
The information was shared in response to a question seeking project-wise CSR allocations, expenditure details, beneficiary selection criteria and the status of independent social audits for hydropower projects in Kishtwar district.
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