The Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to approve the new Hydropower Policy before ending July as the committee responsible for examining the draft has nearly completed the consultation process. The new policy will boost private sector investment capitalizing on the already assessed potential for both small and large projects.
The Government Vide Order No.1562-JK(GAD) dated August 27, 2024 constituted a committee for reviewing and monitoring the progress on development of micro, mini and small hydro projects in the Union Territory.
The committee comprising senior officers from the departments of Power Development, Finance, Science and Technology, Revenue, Public Works (R&B), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) and representatives of Forest, Ecology and Environment and Jal Shakti Departments was asked to examine/review the draft policy for development of micro, mini and small hydro power projects prepared by JAKEDA and draft J&K Hydro Power Policy framed by Power Development Department and lay down the framework for notification and implementation.
Further, the mandate of the committee was to facilitate the creation of conducive environment for attracting private sector investment and to coordinate with concerned line departments for securing expeditious statutory clearances/approvals required for the development and implementation of the projects in J&K.
Officials familiar with the matter told EXCELSIOR that committee has almost completed the assigned task and a comprehensive Hydropower Policy will shortly be placed before the Government for approval and notification. “Most probably, the policy will be approved before end of next month”, they said, adding “the consultation phase was extensive and inclusive engaging all relevant stakeholders”.
“The new policy will provide a strategic framework for boosting the development of hydropower projects and addressing challenges faced by the developers and J&K agencies”, they further said, adding “through the comprehensive policy, the Government aims to attract private sector investment capitalizing on the already assessed potential for both small and large projects”.
Sources further said, “the policy proposes categorizing hydroelectric projects into two segments—-Small Hydroelectric Projects (up to 25 Mega Watt) and Large Hydroelectric Projects (above 25 MW and up to 100 MW)”, adding “the Science and Technology Department will be nodal agency for projects up to 10 MW while the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department will oversee the projects above 25 MW”. Further, the committee of officers has assessed the potential for development of Small and Large Hydroelectric Projects in consultation with all the stakeholders.
“Under the policy, mechanism has been clearly defined to ensure fast-track statutory clearances and approvals required for the development of projects”, they informed, adding “first the policy will be placed before the Chief Minister, who is also Minister Incharge Power Development Department, and thereafter before the Cabinet for final approval”. The policy will go a long way in tapping the available potential for power generation and subsequently boosting the economy of the Union Territory.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while presenting Budget in the Legislative Assembly in the month of March this year, had announced that to unlock J&K’s full hydropower potential his Government will introduce a new Hydropower Policy to accelerate development, attract private investment and drive sustainable energy growth.
Even Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, in the month of April this year, reviewed the draft of the policy and stated that Jammu and Kashmir possess immense potential for power generation which can substantially boost the region’s economy. He also underscored the necessity of reducing power losses, noting that such inefficiencies constitute a substantial drain on resources. Further, the Chief Secretary mentioned that policy will help in attracting private investment by revising the existing framework.
