Is There Corruption in the Kiru Hydropower Project? CBI Charges Satya Pal Malik
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Synopsis
The Kiru hydroelectric power project is mired in controversy as the CBI charges former Governor Satya Pal Malik and others with corruption. This high-profile case raises questions about integrity in infrastructure contracts. Discover the implications of these allegations as the investigation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- CBI charges former Governor Satya Pal Malik and others in the Kiru hydropower case.
- The project involves a Rs 2,200 crore contract for civil works.
- Concerns of kickbacks were raised by Malik himself.
- The project is under scrutiny for substandard work and lack of local job opportunities.
- The Kiru project is set to commence operations by July 2025.
Jammu, May 22 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a charge sheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik along with five others related to the alleged kickbacks in the Kiru hydroelectric power project. In 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir government sought a CBI probe into suspicions of corruption surrounding a Rs 2,200 crore contract for civil works in the Kiru project.
In 2024, the CBI conducted searches at eight locations across Delhi and Jammu. Notably, concerns regarding kickbacks in this contract were initially raised by Malik himself during his tenure as the Jammu and Kashmir Governor from August 23, 2018 to October 30, 2019.
Malik claimed that he was approached with a bribe of Rs 300 crore to greenlight two files, one associated with the Kiru hydroelectric power project, which he declined.
The award of civil works to Patel Engineering Ltd, established in 1949 as a leading infrastructure and construction firm, is now under scrutiny.
The CBI has filed charges against the then Chairman, Managing Director, and Directors of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), alongside Patel Engineering.
According to the FIR, a previous investigation conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Power Department revealed that the e-tendering guidelines were not adhered to during the awarding of civil works for the project.
Additional allegations include the execution of substandard work and the failure to provide employment opportunities to local youth in relation to the hydel project.
The Kiru hydroelectric power project is a run-of-the-river scheme being developed on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar Tehsil of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. This project is situated between the Kirthai II (upstream) and Kwar (downstream) hydroelectric plants.
The project is a joint venture among the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%), and the Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%), with a total estimated cost of Rs 4,287 crore for an installed capacity of 624 MW. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granted scoping clearance in 2008.
Environmental clearance was issued in 2016, and the State Administrative Council (SAC) approved the project in 2019. The foundation stone for the hydroelectric power plant was laid in 2019, with a target to commence commercial operations by July 2025.
Point of View
It is vital to approach the Kiru hydropower corruption case with impartiality. The allegations against Satya Pal Malik and others serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public contracts. It is crucial to uphold the integrity of governance, ensuring that such serious accusations are thoroughly investigated to maintain public trust.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kiru hydropower corruption case about?
The Kiru hydropower corruption case involves allegations of kickbacks and corruption in the awarding of a Rs 2,200 crore contract for civil works in the Kiru hydroelectric power project, with charges filed against former Governor Satya Pal Malik and others.
Who filed the charge sheet?
The charge sheet was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and five others.
What has been alleged against Patel Engineering?
Patel Engineering is under scrutiny for allegedly not adhering to e-tendering guidelines in the awarding of civil works, along with accusations of substandard work and failing to provide job opportunities to local youth.
When did the CBI conduct searches?
The CBI conducted searches at eight locations in Delhi and Jammu in 2024 as part of its investigation into the corruption allegations.
What is the status of the Kiru hydroelectric power project?
The Kiru hydroelectric power project, located on the Chenab River, is being developed with an estimated cost of Rs 4,287 crore and is expected to have a capacity of 624 MW, with commercial operations planned to start by July 2025.
