Jammu and Kashmir has reported a total power generation capacity of 1197.4 MW from 13 hydropower projects, with an annual design energy of 5318.1 million units (MUs). The Union Territory is also actively working on the return of power projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to address its power generation deficit.
In response to a starred question raised by MLA Kreeri-Wagoora Irfan Hafiz Lone, the government informed the Legislative Assembly that Jammu and Kashmir owns and operates 13 hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 1197.4 MW and an annual design energy of 5318.1 MUs.
“Major projects include Baglihar-I and Baglihar-II, each with a capacity of 450 MW, contributing significantly to the total output, it said.
The key projects are, Baglihar-I and II: Combined 900 MW with 3838.15 Mus, Lower Jhelum: 105 MW with 609.45 Mus, Upper Sindh-I & II: Total 127.6 MW with 554 Mus, Chenani-I, II & III: Combined 32.8 MW with 158.73 Mus, Ganderbal: 15 MW with 90.15 Mus, Sewa-III: 9 MW with 33.06 Mus, Pahalgam: 4.5 MW with 14.92 Mus, Karnah: 2 MW with 11.36 MUs and Bhaderwah: 1.5 MW with 8.32 MUs
“It further said that they are actively pursuing the transfer of power projects from NHPC to address the generation deficit in the region.”
The government further said that new Hydropower projects are in the pipeline, efforts to harness hydroelectric potential include collaboration with NHPC, Joint Venture Companies (CVPPL and RHPCL), Independent Power Producers, and JKSPDC. Fifteen projects with a combined capacity of 7768 MW are at different stages of implementation.
“Among these, 3063.5 MW is under construction, 141 MW is at the award stage, and 4583.5 MW is in the DPR/clearance stage.
It further announced its commitment to providing 200 units of free electricity to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households under the PM Surya Ghar Mufut Bijlee Yojna (PM SOMBY).
“Moreover, domestic consumers have an opportunity to clear outstanding electricity dues by waiving the interest/surcharge component under the ongoing amnesty scheme.”
“Plans are in place to modify and extend this scheme as announced by the Minister in charge of Power during the Grants discussions,” it said.
To tackle ongoing power infrastructure issues, particularly the overloading of the 11 KV Wanigam and 11 KV Bochue feeders from the Hamrey and Sangrama receiving stations, the government has proposed the installation of a new 6.3 MVA receiving station at Wanigam under the modernisation component of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project is currently under appraisal with the Ministry of Power for funding.
