SRINAGAR: The central government has provided Rs 45.22 crore to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh over the past five years as financial assistance for small and mini hydropower projects.
According to data from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, JK received Rs 20.31 crore, with the highest allocation of Rs 9.50 crore in 2021-22, while Ladakh secured Rs 24.91 crore, receiving Rs 8.80 crore in 2021-22 as its highest annual funding.
The ministry, said that these funds were allocated to support the development of hydropower projects with a capacity of less than 25 MW, aimed at enhancing local energy generation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“Despite this financial assistance, the central government clarified that no new small hydropower scheme is currently available to provide further funding for such projects. However, JK and Ladakh have been among the highest recipients of past funding, highlighting the region’s potential for renewable energy expansion through hydropower,” the ministry said.
Small hydropower projects are considered crucial for the remote and hilly regions of J&K and Ladakh, providing a stable and sustainable energy source for local communities. The government added that the focus on hydro energy aligns with its broader push toward clean energy and self-reliance in power generation. (KNO)
