J&K hydropower generation plummets over 80%

Srinagar, Feb 19: In a shocking indicator of the severe impact of climate change, Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower generation has dramatically plunged to just 606 megawatts (MW) out of a total installed capacity of 3500 MW, representing a staggering decline of over 80 percent.

This significant drop is compounded by alarming precipitation levels, with major water bodies exhibiting a decline exceeding 70 percent this year.

According to data obtained by Greater Kashmir, power generation from central sector plants is at a mere 432 MW, while state sector plants contribute only 174 MW.

In the central sector generation, the performance figures reveal some significant variances across various plants.

Uri-I, with a capacity of 480 MW, is generating a mere 6 MW, while Uri-II, with a capacity of 240 MW, produces only 37 MW.

The Salal generation plant, which has a capacity of 690 MW, is underperforming at just 9 MW.

In contrast, the Sewa-II generation plant of 120 MW capacity is generating a commendable 60 MW. Dulhasti, with a capacity of 390 MW, stands out with 257 MW, and Kishenganga with a capacity of 330 MW contributes 118 MW.

In the state sector generation, Baglihar-I shows no output, while Baglihar-II, along with the Kishenpur and New Wanpoh plants, achieves a combined output of 122 MW.

Other contributions include 45 MW from Kashmir generation, 1 MW from Jammu generation PDC, and 6 MW from Jammu generation IPP, indicating a mixed performance landscape in the region’s power generation.

According to KPDCL officials, the power situation in Kashmir has improved due to increased power purchases from central Gencos.

A senior KPDCL official said, “There is a clear-cut direction from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to adhere to power curtailment schedules, and unscheduled power cuts are being monitored. This has drastically reduced load shedding. Currently, to meet the demand of around 3000 MW in J&K, we are purchasing close to 2300 MW, which was not the case during the past few years.”

Despite assurances from the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) about improvements in output, there is a concerning downward trend in hydropower generation.

Official records show a decrease from 5452 million units (MU) in 2019-20 to 5123 MU in 2020-21.

There was a slight recovery to 5281 MU in 2021-22, but the output again fell to 5199 MU in 2022-23 with little indication of a significant turnaround shortly.

The power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir features 13 state-owned units operated by JKPDC alongside central sector projects managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). JKPDC’s projects, which include Baglihar-I and Baglihar-II on the Chenab as well as lower and upper Jhelum projects in Kangan, have a combined capacity of 1197.4 MW, yet actual generation often drops below 300 MW.

Meanwhile, NHPC’s central projects contribute 2250 MW, but J&K receives only a fraction of the output during peak demand periods.

The power deficit is further exacerbated by significant delays in the completion of new projects. Initiatives such as the New Ganderbal Power Project (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW), planned several years ago, remain stalled and are not expected to commence operations before 2027.

Similarly, the Mohra Power Project has been delayed until 2026.

A senior official addressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “Reduced water levels have led to a 60 percent drop in hydropower output. Key projects like Baglihar and Salal have seen their generation halved due to decreased river discharge.”

The financial implications of this crisis are considerable, with Jammu and Kashmir having spent approximately Rs 55,254 crore on power purchases over the last decade, including Rs 8197 crore in 2021-22 for 16,207 million units.

This represents a drastic increase from Rs 3382 crore in 2012-13.

As liabilities near Rs 35,175 crore, pressure mounts on the administration to take swift action.

Experts are increasingly advocating for immediate reforms, faster project completions, and enhanced local power generation capabilities.