Abrar Nabi
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that it has “no proposal” seeking the return of power projects from the Central government, stating that the issue “pertains to the Government of India.”
The statement, a clear articulation of the Union Territory’s administrative position, comes amid a long-standing political demand in the region for the transfer of major hydropower projects back to J&K for greater fiscal autonomy.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone during the ongoing budget session, the Power Development Department (PDD) said it does not possess any information on the matter.
“No such proposal is lying with the UT of J&K. The matter pertains to the Government of India, and as of now, no such information is available with the Government of J&K,” the reply, accessed by Kashmir News Service (KNS), stated.
The government appended a detailed breakdown of existing power projects in J&K, categorised into three sectors:
UT Sector: This includes projects like the 450 MW Baglihar-II, 105 MW Lower Jhelum, and 105 MW Upper Sindh-II. The 22.6 MW Chenani-I project remains under a forced shutdown until August 2025 due to flood damage.
Central Sector (NHPC): This comprises the major hydro projects controlled by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, including Salal (690 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Kishenganga (330 MW), and Uri-II (240 MW). The Dulhasti project is also under forced shutdown until August 2025 due to flood damage.
Private Sector: This includes several smaller projects, such as the 85 MW Mawar-Wayil project in Baramulla.
The data underscores the extent of central control over J&K’s hydropower resources. NHPC-controlled projects account for a total installed capacity of 2,250 MW in the region. In contrast, projects owned by the UT and private entities together have a capacity of approximately 1,197.4 MW.
The written reply was tabled by the Minister In-charge of the Power Development Department. (KNS)
