SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for the expeditious completion of major hydropower projects to enhance the region’s energy generation and reduce reliance on external power imports. Chairing a review meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC) at the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of timely execution and effective resolution of challenges hindering progress.
The meeting, attended by senior officials, including Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and Managing Director JKSPDC Pankaj Magotra, focused on evaluating the progress of ongoing hydroelectric projects and outlining a roadmap for the next five years. Discussions centred on mitigating delays caused by contractual disputes, cost overruns, and operational inefficiencies in completed projects.
Chief Minister Abdullah stressed that enhancing hydropower capacity is essential to meeting the growing energy demands of the region. “The timely execution of hydropower projects is essential to unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as a power-surplus state. I urge all stakeholders to address challenges proactively and expedite ongoing works to serve the public interest,” he said.
The state, which has an estimated 18,000 MW hydropower potential, has already identified 15,000 MW for development. Key projects under review included the operational Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project (Stages I & II) on the Chenab River, Upper Sindh Hydroelectric Project (Stages I & II), and Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project in Baramulla.
Projects under construction, such as the New Ganderbal Hydroelectric Project (93 MW), Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (1,000 MW), and Ratle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW), were also deliberated. The Ratle project, recently revived through a joint venture between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and JKSPDC, was identified as a critical driver for future energy independence.
A strategic focus was placed on developing hydropower assets on rivers such as Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Indus, with JKSPDC directed to prioritise detailed project planning and appraisal. Revival plans for stalled projects were also highlighted as a key component of the state’s commitment to sustainable energy.
