J&K’s power generation drops 65% in winter

Srinagar, Dec 22: Jammu and Kashmir’s local hydropower generation has plummeted to around 250 MW this winter, a drop of over 65 percent from its installed capacity of nearly 1140 MW.

This is due to reduced water levels in rivers caused by a lack of precipitation and dry weather conditions.

The power infrastructure in J&K comprises both state and centrally managed hydropower projects.

Of an existing installed capacity of 3500 MW, 1140 MW is generated by J&K-owned plants, including significant projects like the 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Lower Jhelum, and 110 MW Upper Sindh.

The rest, 2300 MW, is contributed by central sector plants like Salal, Dul Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga.

However, the output from these plants severely diminishes in winter.

An official from the Power Development Department (PDD) said, “During winters, powerhouses in J&K, under both central and state sectors, generate a maximum of 600 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW due to falling water levels. With peak demand soaring to 3200 MW, it is clear J&K’s power needs cannot be met solely by hydroelectric power.”

Despite assurances, the J&K Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has shown little advancement in boosting its output.

Official data reflects a declining trend.

From 5452 million units (MU) in 2019-20, generation fell to 5123 MU in 2020-21, slightly recovered to 5281 MU in 2021-22, but then decreased to 5199 MU in 2022-23 with no significant improvement projected soon.

The power scenario in J&K involves 13 state-owned units by JKPDC and central-sector projects by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

JKPDC’s projects like Baglihar I and II on the Chenab and LJHP and USHP-II Kangan on the Jhelum have a combined capacity of 1197.4 MW, but actual generation often dips below 300 MW.

NHPC’s central projects add 2250 MW.

Yet, J&K only receives a small fraction during peak winter demand.

The deficit is exacerbated by delays in new project completion.

Projects like the 93 MW New Ganderbal Power Project and 48 MW Lower Kalnai, planned years ago, are stuck in tendering, and not expected to start before 2027.

The Mohra Power Project is also delayed until 2026.

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

The financial impact is considerable.

J&K spent Rs 55,254 crore on power purchases over the last decade, including Rs 8197 crore in 2021-22 alone for 16,207 million units, a stark rise from Rs 3382 crore in 2012-13.

With liabilities nearing Rs 35,175 crore, there is increasing pressure for the administration to act swiftly.

Experts advocate for urgent reforms, faster project completion, and enhancing local power generation to secure energy and ease the financial strain on this region.