5 hydroelectric projects are under implementation in J&K, says MHA
Over five hydroelectric projects are under implementation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is expected to add another 4,870 MWs of electricity to the region.
The information was revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its annual report 2020-21.
The report has stated that presently the Union Territory of J&K has harnessed the hydro potential of 3,504.90 MW against the estimated potential of 20,000 MW. Five more projects are under implementation, which is expected to add another 4,870 MWs.
“Foundation stone for Kiru Hydro Electric Project of 624 MW has been laid, and all the related works have been started. All clearances and exemptions regarding the Kwar Hydro Electric Project of 540MW are in place, and tender for civil works has been issued”, the report reads.
Work on the 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project has started. The construction work of 12 MW Karnah HEP in Kupwara commenced in September 2020. The Project shall be built at an estimated cost of Rs.123 crore under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) grant with a completion time of 42 months from the date of award, the MHA’s report reads.
“Under the recently announced Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan 2020, the Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI) has sanctioned Rs.11,500 crore for the power sector. Keran and Mundian villages located right on the Line of Control (LoC) were earlier getting only 3 hours of power supply from diesel generators. The said villages have now been provided Grid Connectivity with the laying of 36 km long 33 KV line”, it added.
One of the important reforms undertaken by UT of J&K is unbundling of the Power department into 5 new corporations, namely Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Jammu & Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL), Jammu & Kashmir Power Corporation Limited (JKPCL) and Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL), the report reads.
