In last 7 years, mere 7.86% of J&K’s hydro potential tapped, 14% under construction
3 HEP projects missed deadline, 1 faces administrative delays
AVINAV VERMA. Updated: 10/18/2019 10:53:01 AM

JAMMU: Although Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its hydro potential of generating power, but due to the casual approach adopted by concerned authorities, in last seven years, only 7.86 per cent potential has been tapped; while 14.29 percent is under construction out of identified power potential of 13543 Mega Watt (MW) in the state.
As per the reassessment study conducted by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) of India, the state has hydro potential of generating power of 13543 MW.
Out of the total identified potential in the state, the authorities have successfully tapped 1065 MW (7.86%) through four different projects in last seven years while four hydro projects with capacity of 1935.5 MW (14.29%) are under construction.
The four different projects that were constructed in last seven years and generating power of 1065 MW include hydro project Nimmo Bazgo, which was commissioned in year 2013 with capacity of 45 MW, Uri-II, which was commenced in year 2014 with capacity of 240 MW, Baglihar-II which was commissioned in year 2015 with capacity of 450 MW, Kishanganga which started in year 2018 with capacity of 330 MW.
With the above said four projects, the state is currently producing 3449.0 MW with other existing 8 hydro projects, which is 25.47 percent of total identified hydro projects.
Apart from this, the progress is at snail’s pace on four other hydro power projects, which are under construction and will produce 1935.5 MW, 14.29 percent of total identified potential.
The projects under construction include Pakal Dul with capacity of 1000 MW, Rattle with capacity of 850 MW, Parani with capacity of 37.5 MW and Lower Kalnai with capacity of 48 MW.
The foundation stone for the construction of the biggest hydroelectric project in the state, Pakal Dul project was laid in May 2018.
The project may skip its deadline, which was earlier projected March 2023-24, due to delay in awarding contracts. It is part of the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) for J&K and is expected to enhance the region’s power generation.
Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) is constructing the project on Marusadar River, a tributary of the Chenab River. Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) holds a 49% stake in CVVPL, while National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and PTC India hold 49% and 2%, respectively.
Similarly, hydro project Ratle is constructed on the Chenab River in district Kishtwar. The project is being developed by GVK Ratle Hydro Electric Project, a unit of GVK Power and an independent power producer (IPP). Construction started in June 2013, with the first power generation was expected in 2018. Moreover, the construction work delayed due to frequent local disturbance and fresh deadline is 2024.
Moreover, Lower Kalnai project involves setting up of 48 MW (2 x 24 MW), hydroelectric power project on Lower Kalnai Nalla, tributary to river Chenab in district Doda. The progress on this project is very slow due to funds constraints with contractor and due to delay in finalization of R&R plans.
Likewise, Parnai Hydroelectric Project was set into motion in 2009 by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC). The project was scheduled to be operative by 2017-18 fiscal at a cost of Rs. 640.41 crore. Now the likely date of the project getting operational is 2020-21.


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