Resurrecting 9 MW Mohra power plant: A journey to illuminate the past

Baramulla, Dec 8: Located along the banks of the majestic River Jhelum in the Boniyar area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district stand the remnants of a once-majestic marvel, the Mohra Hydro-electric Plant.

The plant is the outcome of the visionary genius of Canada-born engineer Major Alian de Litbniere.

In 1902, the hydroelectric powerhouse stood as a testament to ingenuity and innovation in the face of nature's might.

The people of Kashmir, especially the residents of Baramulla, found themselves yearning for the days when the Mohra plant moved with a capacity of 9 Megawatts, lighting up homes and hearts alike.

The rare feature that distinguished this hydroelectric project from all others is a groundbreaking 11 km long wooden flume that gracefully conducted the lifeblood – water of the powerhouse.

The plant had witnessed the passage of time, surviving multiple floods that challenged its resilience.

Yet, the catastrophic floods of 1992 had dealt a fatal blow, rendering the powerhouse silent and still. The once-thriving hub of energy production now is in ruins, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history.

Amidst the echoes of the past, a chorus of voices rose, advocating for the revival of Mohra, especially at a time when the people here are struggling with the power crisis.

Muhammad Akbar, a Boniyar resident, spoke fervently about the architectural marvel that awaited rebirth.

“The rare features of Mohra powerhouse are enough to make it special. It is an architectural marvel,” he said.

An official of the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) acknowledged the potential of Mohra, not just as a powerhouse but as a symbol of historical glory.

“With a capacity to generate 9000 KW of electricity, the revived Mohra promised to illuminate the lives of thousands of households, echoing the brilliance of its past,” he said.

Firdous Ahmad, a local, spoke of the vanished splendour of the wooden flume, the very heart of Mohra's uniqueness.

"The flume, which is the main attraction for the visitors, has disappeared in several parts while its remnants can be seen while travelling from Baramulla to Uri," he lamented.

The hopeful eyes of the locals turned towards the state administration, which had pledged to restore the pristine glory of Mohra.

A Detailed Project Report, which had been crafted with an investment of around Rs 133.50 crore, reflected the commitment to resurrect this heritage project.

The corridors of power buzzed with promises, but tangible progress remained elusive.

However, hope was not lost.

Muhammad Ashraf, a civil society member advocating for its revival said that its revival is just like “reclaiming a piece of history”.

He said this historical marvel is a story of resilience and innovation.

With the J&K administration determined to revive it, a new chapter in Mohra's tale is likely to begin.

Its revival is not just about electricity; it is about rekindling the spirit of people, illuminating the path to a brighter future, and preserving a historical marvel for generations to come.