Imported power drains J&K’s coffers as local generation stalls

Srinagar, Nov 29: Each winter, Kashmiris endure prolonged power outages, with authorities citing a mismatch between demand and supply. However, the persistent power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir stems from a deeper issue: a decade-long failure to enhance local power generation capacity, leaving the J&K heavily reliant on expensive electricity imports.

Despite repeated promises, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has made little progress in increasing its output.

Official figures reveal a troubling trend: power generation stood at 5452 million units (MU) in 2019-20, dropped to 5123 MU in 2020-21, and fluctuated to 5281 MU in 2021-22 before declining further to 5199 MU in 2022-23. Projections indicate no significant improvement shortly.

Jammu and Kashmir has two types of power projects: 13 state-owned units managed by JKPDC and central-sector projects operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). JKPDC’s projects, including Baglihar I and II (900 MW) on the Chenab Basin and LJHP and USHP-II Kangan (105 MW each) on the Jhelum Basin, boast a combined capacity of 1197.4 MW. Yet, local generation frequently falls below 300 MW, far short of demand.

NHPC’s central-sector projects contribute 2,250 MW, with major plants like Salal (690 MW), Uri-I (480 MW), and Dulhasti (390 MW). However, Jammu and Kashmir receives only a fraction of this supply, often as little as 350 MW during peak winter demand.

Officials blame the power deficit on delays in completing new projects. The New Ganderbal Power Project (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW), both envisioned over a decade ago, are still in the tendering stage and are unlikely to be operational before 2027. Similarly, the Mohra Power Project is delayed until 2026.

"Adding to the crisis, reduced water levels in rivers have led to a 60 percent drop in hydropower output across the region. Key projects like Baglihar and Salal have seen their generation capacity halved due to decreased discharge in the Chenab River," said a senior power department official.

The financial toll of Jammu and Kashmir’s reliance on external power is staggering. Over the past decade, the Union Territory has spent Rs 55,254 crore on electricity purchases. In 2021-22 alone, Rs 8,197 crore was spent to procure 16,207 million units, a sharp increase from Rs 3382 crore spent in 2012-13.

Residents, who were promised uninterrupted power after the installation of smart meters, feel betrayed.

“We assured people reliable electricity with smart meters, but our stagnant local generation has left us dependent on costly external supplies,” admitted an official from the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL).

With liabilities mounting to Rs 35,175 crore, the administration faces growing pressure to address the crisis.

Experts are calling for urgent reforms, accelerated completion of delayed projects, and a focus on local power generation to ensure energy security and reduce the financial burden on the region.