SRINAGAR: Construction work on the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project formally commenced on Sunday with the successful execution of the first blast at Adit-3 in Mohura area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The inaugural blast was carried out in the presence of the Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC, who officially launched the construction phase of the project.
Being developed by NHPC on the Jhelum River, the Uri-I Stage-II project is an extension of the existing Uri-I Hydroelectric Project and is aimed at enhancing Jammu and Kashmir’s power generation capacity.
Officials said the first blast marks the beginning of major underground works under the project, which is expected to significantly augment electricity generation and strengthen energy security in the region.
The project will comprise two generating units of 120 MW each and is projected to generate nearly 932 million units of clean energy annually through an underground powerhouse.
According to officials, the project forms part of wider efforts to harness Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower potential and reduce reliance on external sources of electricity.
They said the commencement of construction marks a crucial milestone in the execution of the project, which is expected to make a substantial contribution towards meeting the region’s future power requirements.
Officials added that the Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project is also expected to bolster the Union Territory’s energy infrastructure and support sustainable power generation in the years ahead.
