The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday reiterated its commitment to reviving the historic Mohra Power Plant in Uri Baramulla but cited financial constraints as the key hurdle in its development.
The response came in reply to an un-starred question raised by MLA Uri, Dr. Sajad Shafi, in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
In a reply to a query raised by MLA Uri in the government assembly, government said revival of the Mohra HEP has always been a top priority for J&K, not only to enhance its generation capacity but also to preserve the heritage of this century- old project, while creating employment opportunities for the local population.
“The 10.50 MW Mohra project, with a project cost of Rs. 112.91 Crore (at 2018 price level), is one of the 33 small hydro projects approved under the PMDP-15 package for erstwhile state of J&K, as part of Small Hydro Development Programme,” it said.
The government further said that due to viability concerns, the project could not be taken up for development. J&K has raised this issue in various review meetings with the Government of India, requesting up to 60% central financial assistance under PMDP to make the project viable. However, no central grants have been received for the projects so far, it said.
On the basis of the feasibility study of all SHPs sanctioned under PMDP conducted through MNRE and IIT Roorkee, the IIT Roorkee, recommended the Mohra HEP (with a capacity of 10.5 MW and a project cost of Rs. 135.02 Crore at 2022 price level) for financial assistance by MNRE, Gol, based on its feasibility assessment.
“The proposal for funding of the said SHPs, including Mohra, is currently in the appraisal stage with Gol.”
It further said that in the meantime, J&K is working on a new hydro policy to make the sector more attractive for investment and encourage private participation. It is reliably learnt that Gol is finalizing a new hydro policy, which may provide financial support for such projects.
“J&K is committed to developing its small hydro sector at a pace similar to large hydro plants, as it benefits local communities. The final decision on the best fit development mode (EPC, tariff-based, or IPP) for SHPs, including for the Mohra Small HEP will be based on the policies and norms. being finalized by Gol and J&K,” it added in its reply to MLA.
