Power schedule adherence being monitored at top level: Div Com Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 19: As winter in Kashmir is synonymous with power cuts, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Tuesday said that the administration was closely monitoring the adherence to the power curtailment schedule at the highest level.

“We are closely monitoring electricity production and distribution at the highest level to ensure that people get power supply as per the schedule. Our teams are on high alert to ensure uninterrupted power during the harsh winter,” Bidhuri said.

The power allocation to J&K this year reveals significant improvements.

Power imports have surged to 2085 megawatts, substantially increasing from last year’s 1200-1400 megawatts allocation.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah credited a crucial intervention - an additional 300 megawatts sanctioned by the central government.

“We hope for adequate snowfall and rainfall during winter months which will increase hydropower generation in winter months. This year power schedule adherence is being monitored at the highest level in the Secretariat. There is no need to worry,” Bidhuri told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar.

The recent rainfall in J&K has improved water availability, alleviating concerns about hydroelectric power generation during the winter months, the administration said.

J&K’s total installed generation capacity stands at 3500 megawatts.

Local J&K-owned plants contribute 1140 megawatts, with the 900 MW Baglihar hydroelectric project leading the pack.

Central sector plants supplement the grid with 2300 megawatts from strategic installations like Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga.

Winter traditionally challenges power generation, with output historically dropping to around 600 megawatts.

Current energy demand reaches 1400 megawatts for Kashmir and 900 megawatts for Jammu, with expectations of further increase.

Recent rainfall has emerged as a positive development, improving water availability and bolstering hydroelectric generation prospects.

“We are optimistic about potential snowfall and rainfall during winter months,” a Power Development Department official said.

The administration has developed a targeted distribution strategy.

“We will prioritise uninterrupted supply in fully metered areas and implement scheduled distribution in non-metered regions,” the official said, emphasising the need for public cooperation.

Of the total installed capacity, 1030 megawatts would be consumed internally, with 150 megawatts allocated to external agreements with Haryana.

CM Omar underscored the significance of the additional power allocation, describing it as a critical intervention to mitigate seasonal power challenges.

“We met with the power minister and secured 300 MW to reduce electricity cuts,” he told the Legislative Assembly.