Jammu, Apr 2: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said his government will formally take up unresolved issues related to the Ranjit Sagar Dam with the Punjab government, following concerns raised by the BJP over alleged lapses in commitments.
The project, a 600 MW hydroelectric facility on the Ravi river near Basohli in Kathua and Pathankot in Punjab, has been at the centre of a dispute over power sharing, compensation, and employment obligations since its completion in 2001.
Responding to questions from BJP legislators Darshan Kumar and Sham Lal Sharma in the Assembly, the Chief Minister stated that the commitments stem from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1979 between the two governments. He stressed that these are binding obligations and not subject to discretionary interpretation.
Abdullah noted that Jammu and Kashmir is entitled to a 20 per cent share of electricity from the project under a 2019 agreement between state power corporations. However, supply has not yet begun due to inadequate transmission infrastructure.
On compensation, he said that out of ₹85.48 crore earmarked for affected families, around ₹71.15 crore has already been released by Punjab, while approximately ₹15.94 crore remains pending, including interest. He added that procedural delays have also contributed, as some beneficiaries have yet to submit required documentation such as Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details.
The Chief Minister further acknowledged concerns over employment, stating that more than 800 families are impacted. He admitted that jobs provided so far have not met expectations and assured that the matter will be revisited with Punjab to ensure fair implementation of rehabilitation commitments.
“Our aim is to ensure that all dues reach the rightful beneficiaries, but disbursement must follow due process and completion of required formalities,” Abdullah said, adding that the government will review the issue with concerned authorities to ensure timely compliance with the agreement.
Earlier, BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma accused Punjab of failing to honour its obligations and urged the government to take up the issue more assertively. Darshan Kumar also highlighted grievances of affected families, pointing out that many qualified individuals have been given low-grade jobs with limited growth opportunities, often posted far from the project area despite assurances to the contrary.