JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that the Chenani Hydroelectric Power Project, commissioned in 1975 with an installed capacity of 23.30 megawatts, has been operating at reduced efficiency due to ageing infrastructure, hydrological changes, and structural deterioration. The project, which generated its full capacity until 1997, has seen its output decline over the years and is currently generating only 10.5 megawatts.
In response to a question raised by legislator Batwant Singh Mankotla in the assembly, the government attributed the decline in generation capacity to multiple factors, including breaches in the canal system, damage to the forebay, the devastating floods of 2014, and sediment accumulation. Additionally, unfavourable hydrological conditions caused by climate change have further impacted water availability, reducing the project’s efficiency.
The government has undertaken several remedial measures to restore the project’s generation capacity and extend its operational life. These include the renovation of civil components and the modernization of major electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical components. Officials expect these initiatives to enhance the plant’s operational reliability and potentially improve its power generation output.
The Chenani Hydroelectric Power Project comprises five machines, each with a capacity of 4.66 megawatts. However, due to reduced water availability in the region, the plant is operating at a significantly lower efficiency. While the original installed capacity remains 23.30 megawatts, the project is currently generating only 10.5 megawatts, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.
The government also addressed concerns regarding the road connecting Nagulta to Pakhlai, which was initially developed to support the hydropower project. Until 2021, the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) periodically renovated and maintained the road. However, following a request from public representatives, the responsibility for maintenance was transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD) through a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued on November 25, 2021.
Following the transfer of responsibility, routine maintenance was no longer included in the works programme of the Chenani Hydroelectric Project. However, based on public representations in 2023, the government carried out essential repair and renovation works in 2024 to ensure the road’s functionality. These included protection works at Tathyal Nallah, involving walling, and the laying of scuppers and Hume pipes, at a cost of Rs 14 lakh. Additional repairs, including the restoration of road sections at Karkul, Mandal Nallah, and Swena, were completed at a cost of Rs 14.62 lakh.
While the government remains committed to rehabilitating the Chenani Hydroelectric Power Project, the lack of full restoration nearly three decades after its decline has raised concerns about the long-term efficiency of the facility. The administration is expected to continue modernization efforts to improve power generation and ensure stable infrastructure support for the project.
