SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government deliberated on the Draft Hydro Power Policy 2025 on Wednesday, which proposes to replace the decade-old 2011 policy and open new avenues through Independent Power Producer (IPP) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
The policy, discussed during a high-level review chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, envisions transparent allotment systems, streamlined clearance mechanisms, financial incentives, and guaranteed power off-take to make hydropower projects commercially viable and investor-friendly.
Chief Minister Abdullah reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable development, clean energy transition, and inclusive growth, adding that the new policy framework would enable strategic participation of the private sector while ensuring energy security in the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Power Development Department Rajesh H Prasad, and Managing Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporations, among others.
The Chief Minister also conducted a detailed review of several key hydro and solar projects, including the 1856 MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project, 93 MW New Ganderbal HEP, 48 MW Lower Kalnai HEP, and the 5 MW Solar Power Project at Pampore.
Noting the delays in New Ganderbal and Lower Kalnai projects due to contractual and financial impediments, the Chief Minister urged officials to explore alternative strategies for swift execution and avoid further cost overruns. “Timely decisions are vital to prevent energy deficits and project stagnation,” he said.
The 5 MW solar power initiative at Pampore, being executed through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), was also reviewed. The Chief Minister directed a cost-benefit analysis in the context of prevailing solar tariffs and suggested optimal use of idle land in the area to scale up renewable output.
The meeting also addressed the issue of outstanding arrears from commercial power consumers. Officials from the Power Development Department presented current recovery measures and discussed prospective schemes aimed at improving revenue realisation.
