393 MW allocated in Dec 2023, cumulative allocation reaches 3184 MW
Four hydroelectric projects launched since 2019, totaling 2026 MW
Energy deficit in J&K reduced from 17.8% to 1.5% by Nov 2023
Major strides in hydropower dev, 7000 MW expected in 8-10 yrs
MoU between J&K Govt & NHPC yields three projects with 2354 MW capacity
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is set to receive an additional 1036 MWs of power until March 2024, following the allocation of 393 MW in December 2023.
According to official data, this brings the cumulative allocation to an impressive 3184 MW. As of November 2023, 2791 MW of power has been allocated to the Union Territory (UT) of J&K from Central Generating Stations. Additionally, the Ministry of Power has made extra allocations to help meet the heightened power demand during the winter months. The recent allocations include 393 MW for December 2023, 443 MW for January-24 & February-24, and 593 MW for March-24.
The document highlights the launch of four hydroelectric projects in J&K since 2019, totaling a capacity of 2026 MW. These projects include Kiru (624 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Karnah (12 MW). The data also reveals a significant reduction in the energy deficit in J&K, from 17.8% in 2018-19 to 1.5% as of November 2023.
The focus on hydropower development in Jammu and Kashmir has been a joint initiative between the Government of India and the UT administration. An MoU signed on January 3, 2021, between the J&K government and NHPC paved the way for the development of three projects – Uri (240 MW), Dulhasti (258 MW), and Sawalkote (1856 MW) – with a total installed capacity of 2354 MW.
The document mentions the creation of the Rattle Hydro Power Development Corporation Limited, a joint venture between NHPC and JKPDC, for the development of the 850 MW Rattle Hydroelectric Project, expected to be commissioned by May 2026.
Chenab Valley Power Projects [P] Ltd. (CVPPPL) is entrusted with the construction of four projects on a Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (BOOM) basis, with a total installed capacity of 3094 MW. Meanwhile, JKSPDC, an undertaking of J&K, has identified 14 projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 738.5 MW.
Similarly, 93 MW New Ganderbal and 48 MW Lower Kalnai HEPs is at advanced stage of tendering while as another project namely 390 MW Kirthal-ll is at the appraisal stage by Central Electricity Authority, it added.
It further revealed that around 7000 MW of hydro power capacity is expected to be added in a phased manner over the next 8 to 10 years. This development is anticipated to have a significant impact on J&K’s overall economic development, including employment generation in economically backward areas.
