Minister RK Singh’s Comprehensive Update on the Shrinking Energy Deficit in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, 19-12-2023 : Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh announced a significant reduction in energy deficit in Jammu and Kashmir, from 17.8 percent in the year 2018-19 to a mere 1.5 percent as of November 2023. Providing this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Singh highlighted the positive strides made in addressing the energy shortfall in the region.

As of November 2023, the Union Territory of J&K has been allocated 2791 MW of power from Central Generating Stations (CGSs). To further support the increased demand for power during winter months, the Ministry of Power has allocated additional power, including 393 MW for December 2023, 443 MW for January and February 2024, and 593 MW for March 2024.

Singh underscored the joint efforts of the Governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir to transform the region into an energy surplus Union Territory. This objective was achieved through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 3, 2021, between the Government of J&K and NHPC. The MoU led to the development of three hydropower projects with a total installed capacity of 2354 MW, namely Uri (Stage-11) with 240 MW, Dulhasti (Stage-II) with 258 MW, and Sawalkote HEP with 1856 MW, entrusted to NHPC on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis. Additionally, the 930 MW Kirthai II HEP was assigned to Chenab Valley Power Projects [P] Ltd. (CVPPPL) in Joint Venture mode.

The creation of the Rattle Hydro Power Development Corporation Limited, a joint venture between NHPC and JKPDC, was highlighted by Singh. This corporation is dedicated to the development of the 850 MW Rattle HEP, currently under execution and expected to be commissioned by May 2026.

Further, Singh outlined the responsibilities of Chenab Valley Power Projects [P] Ltd. (CVPPPL) in constructing various projects on Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (BOOM) basis, totaling an aggregate installed capacity of 3094 MW. These include the under-execution projects such as the 1000 MW Pakal Dul HEP, the 624 MW Kiru HEP, the 540 MW Kwar HEP, and the 930 MW Kirthai- II HEP.

In addition to these initiatives, JKSPDC, an undertaking of the UT of J&K, has identified 14 projects with a cumulative installed capacity of 738.5 MW. This includes two under-construction projects, the 37.5 MW Parnai HEP and the 12 MW Karnah HEP, which is expected to be completed by July 2024, and September 2025, respectively.

The Power Minister highlighted that the aforementioned projects are expected to add approximately 7000 MW hydro power capacity in a phased manner over the next 8 to 10 years. This, he emphasized, will not only address the energy deficit but also contribute significantly to the overall economic development of Jammu and Kashmir, including the generation of employment opportunities in economically backward areas.

Regarding the physical progress of key projects, Singh provided updates, stating that Ratle, Kiru, Kwar, and Karnah projects have achieved progress percentages of 10.35 percent, 24.03 percent, 8.19 percent, and 53.82 percent, respectively. These developments collectively signify a comprehensive strategy to enhance energy infrastructure and drive economic growth in the region.

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