SRINAGAR: The revival of the century-old Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project in Uri remains uncertain as the Jammu and Kashmir government awaits central financial assistance to make the project viable, officials said on Thursday.
In response to a query by MLA Dr Sajad Shafi, the minister in charge, said that despite being a priority, the 10.50 MW project has not received the required funding from the Centre under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP-15).
The project, estimated to cost Rs 135.02 crore as per 2022 price levels, was among the 33 small hydro projects sanctioned under the Small Hydro Development Programme. However, concerns over financial feasibility have stalled its progress, he said.
The government has repeatedly raised the issue in review meetings, seeking up to 60% central financial assistance, but no grants have been sanctioned so far, he added.
IIT Roorkee, after conducting a feasibility study through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), recommended the Mohra project for central financial assistance based on its viability. “The proposal is currently under appraisal with the Centre,” the minister said.
The J&K administration is also working on a new hydro policy to attract investment and encourage private participation in the sector. “It is expected that the Centre’s upcoming national hydro policy may provide financial support for such stalled projects,” he added.
The minister further stated that the government remains committed to developing small hydro projects alongside large hydro plants, given their benefits for local communities.
A final decision on the development model—whether through Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC), tariff-based methods, or Independent Power Producers (IPP)—will be made once policies at the state and central levels are finalised. (KNO)
