J-K: Power generation drops as water level depletes

Srinagar, Nov 9: In a setback to Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector, state-owned power plants are currently generating merely 304 Megawatt (MW) against their installed capacity of 1140 MW, primarily due to depleting water levels in rivers following deficient rainfall in J&K.

“The unprecedented rainfall deficit over the past four months has severely impacted our hydropower generation capabilities,” a senior Power Department official said. “Current water levels are significantly below normal operating parameters, forcing us to run our plants at reduced capacity to ensure sustainable operations through the winter months.”

According to officials, the situation is particularly concerning at the flagship Baglihar project, which is currently generating 239 MW, while smaller installations like New Wanpoh and Kishenpur are contributing just 3 MW each.

The Jammu Generation PDC adds another 3 MW, while Jammu Generation IPP and Kashmir Generation contribute 20 MW and 42 MW.

The crisis has been exacerbated by alarmingly low precipitation levels across Kashmir.

This shortfall has direct implications for J&K’s power infrastructure, which heavily relies on hydroelectric generation.

Of the existing installed generation capacity of 3500 MW in Jammu and Kashmir, 1140 MW is contributed by J&K-owned plants, including projects like 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Lower Jhelum, and 110 MW Upper Sindh.

The remaining 2300 MW comes from central sector plants, with prominent ones being Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga.

During winter months, the combined output from both central and state sector powerhouses typically drops to around 600 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW.

A KPDCL official said that the shortfall was usually compensated through power purchases from Central Generating Stations both within and outside J&K.

Of J&K’s total installed capacity of 1140 MW, approximately 1030 MW is utilised within J&K, while the remaining 110 MW is sold outside J&K, honouring agreements executed in 2009 with Haryana.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that to mitigate the power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has sanctioned an additional 300 MW of electricity.

“I met the Union Power Minister and he sanctioned 300 MW additional power to us so that we can reduce the electricity cuts,” the CM said, replying to the Motion of Thanks on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address in the J&K Assembly.

Electricity shortage has been a major issue in J&K as the high demand in Kashmir during winter, and in Jammu during summer, often leads to frequent power cuts in the respective regions.

“The additional electricity will substantially help the government tide over the crisis,” the CM said.