SRINAGAR: Turbulence has returned to haunt Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project over alleged political interference and pressure to hire more local workers, with the management of the upcoming 850-MW unit in Jammu’s Kishtwar warning unions it would stop construction. Then PM Manmohan Singh laid the foundation of the project -- billed as one of the largest in J&K -- in 2013 but progress has been tardy amid recurrent labour logjams. The Rs 3,700-crore project on the Chenab river is a joint venture between the Centre-owned NHPC Ltd and J&K State Power Development Corporation Ltd. The two hold 51% and 49% equity, respectively. The unit includes a 133-meter dam and an underground powerhouse with five turbines. While work continues, Ravi Kumar Sharma, president of one of the two official unio

See Full Page