CM Omar Abdullah urges early completion of major hydropower
projects in J&K
Reviews functioning of J&K State Power Development Corporation
Ltd
JAMMU, JANUARY 23: Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir State
Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC) here at Civil Secretariat to
assess the progress made in execution of new hydro- electric projects and the
expected enhancement in power generation from these projects.
The meeting was attended by Advisor
to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief
Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD)
Rajesh H Prasad, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Managing
Director JKSPDC Pankaj Magotra and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the Chief
Minister emphasized the need for timely execution of these projects to ensure
their public utility and stressed the importance of tackling challenges such as
contractual issues,time and financial over runs in case of projects under
construction and operation and maintenance issues of commissioned projects.
The roadmap for the next five years was
presented showing substantial capacity addition to meet growing energy demands
which would gradually reduce reliance on power imports, and boost the state’s
energy self-sufficiency. Upcoming projects, Detailed Project Report (DPR)
formulation and appraisal were also discussed and JKSPDC was asked to focus on
strategic project planning for development of hydropower assets on Chenab,
Jhelum, Ravi and Indus rivers.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to
sustainable energy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged officials to study
revival plans for stalled projects and execute them efficiently.
He called for a proactive approach to
address the challenges faced by JKSPDC and stressed that enhancing J&K’s
hydropower capacity is essential for meeting our energy demand.
“The timely execution of hydropower projects
is essential to unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as a power-surplus
state. I urge all stakeholders to address challenges proactively and expedite
ongoing works to serve the public interest,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
Earlier, Principal Secretary PDD provided a comprehensive update on the status
of hydroelectric power development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Of the region’s estimated 18,000 MW
hydropower potential, 15,000 MW has already been identified, making it a key
driver for future energy initiatives.
A detailed review of commissioned projects,
including the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project (Stages I & II) on the
Chenab River, Upper Sindh Hydroelectric Project (Stages I & II) on the Sind
River, Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project in Baramulla was carried out during
the meeting. The meeting also deliberated on projects under construction,
including the New Ganderbal Hydroelectric Project (93 MW) on the Sind River,
the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (1,000 MW) under the Chenab River cascade,
and the Ratle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW), which has been revived through a
joint venture between NHPC and JKSPDC.
Discussions highlighted the
importance of expediting work on these projects to ensure these become
operational at the earliest.