Jammu, March 2025: The Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir witnessed an in-depth discussion on the power scenario as Omar, the minister in charge of the Power Department, responded to queries raised by BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia from Jasrota (Kathua) and National Conference legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo.
No Power Projects Transferred to NHPC Omar confirmed that no power projects have been identified for transfer to the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC). However, he noted that J&K has allotted multiple projects to NHPC for development in the Central sector over time.
Progress on Hydropower Projects Significant progress has been made on various hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir:
- Pakaldul (1000 MW) – 65% completion
- Kiru (624 MW) – 54.09% completion
- Kwar (540 MW) – 18.65% completion
- Ratle (850 MW) – 20.01% completion
These projects are being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) and Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL).
Coal Block Allocation Issues A joint venture agreement was signed between JKSPDC and NTPC on June 15, 2015, for the exploration of a coal mining block in Odisha. However, NTPC surrendered its share in the project on November 22, 2018, citing environmental clearance delays and local resistance.
In June 2019, the J&K Government requested an alternative coal block, but the Ministry of Coal declined the request, citing the MMDR Act, 1957, which does not allow alternate allocations.
Power Supply & Infrastructure Development The J&K Government has initiated a comprehensive plan to upgrade the power sector, ensuring 24×7 reliable and affordable electricity. The plan includes:
- System modernization under Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
- Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), targeted for completion by 2027-28.
- Resource Adequacy Plan, formulated with Central Government support, to forecast power demands for the next decade.
Under this plan, the transmission system is being enhanced, adding around 2,406 MVA (at 220 & 132 kV levels) through new and upgraded grid substations in the Jammu region.
Upcoming Hydropower Projects J&K aims to add over 3,000 MW of installed capacity by 2027 through projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle. Other planned projects include:
- Kirthai-I (390 MW)
- Dulhasti-II (258 MW)
- Bursar (800 MW)
- Sawalkote (1,856 MW)
- Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW)
- Ujh (89 MW)
- Kirthai-II (930 MW)
Renewable Energy Initiatives Recognizing the potential for solar energy in Jammu & Kashmir, the government is promoting solar rooftop installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Smart metering initiatives have already shown significant improvements, with 100% completion in 45 feeders in Kashmir and 50 in Jammu, leading to fewer power cuts in low-loss areas.
MoU Between JKSPDC and NHPC A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on January 3, 2021, between JKSPDC and NHPC for the execution of the following projects under the Built, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model for 40 years:
- Sawalkote HEP (1,856 MW)
- Dulhasti Stage-II (258 MW)
- Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW)
As per the MoU, the J&K Government will receive 12% free power, 1% Local Area Development Fund (LADF), and the first right of refusal to purchase 50% of the power generated at a regulator-determined price
