Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation in next two years, ensuring a reliable electricity supply, and that the government was committed to offering 200 units of free electricity.
He said Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation was prioritizing the development of hydroelectric power projects to become self-reliant in power generation and provide an uninterrupted electricity to consumers.
In response to question from NC MLA Shamima Firdous, the Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Power Portfolio said, in a written reply, said that in collaboration with NHPC, JKSPDC has formed joint ventures such as CVPPL and RHPCL to implement various projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
The projects include the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul HEP, 624 MW Kiru HEP, 540 MW Kwar HEP, and 850 MW Ratle HEP, all located on the Chenab River in Kishtwar. “With a combined capacity of 30114 MW, these projects are expected to be commissioned by 2027”.
Moreover, JKSPPDC is implementing two more 37.5 MW Parnai HEP and 12 MW Karnah HEP in Rajouri and Kupwara districts respectively.
“This brings the total capacity addition to 3063 MW by 2027-2028. Moreover, the 48 MW Lower Kalani HEP in Kishtwar and the MW new Ganderbal HEP in Ganderbal have already been tendered”, said the Chief Minister.
He said they are planning to develop seven more projects including 390 MW Kirthai-I, 258 MW Dulhasti -II, 800 MW Bursar, 1856 MW Sawalkote, 240 MW Uri-I, Stage II, 89 MW Ujh and 930 MW Kirthai-II.
The Chief Minister informed that although these projects would significantly enhance the power generation upon their completion, the hydro power plants witness low power generation during the winters.
“To achieve self-reliance, it is essential to have a balanced mix of power resources including thermal and nuclear power”, said the Chief Minister.
Further, the legislator was informed that J&K is in consultation with the Government of India and has developed a Resource Adequacy Plan till 20235 as a major step towards achieving self-reliance in power generation.
When asked whether the government provides 200 units of free electricity to consumers and what steps have been taken in this regard, the government responded positively, saying, “the necessary steps will be outlined during the demand for grants for the sector.”
Responding to a question from member Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly, CM, who also holds the Power Development portfolio, said that J&K’s transmission and distribution losses are among the highest in India.
He said that these losses are significantly higher compared to neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“And until we are not able to control this situation, our current AT&C losses are around 50%. For every rupee worth of electricity we supply, we face a loss of around 50 paisa. We will have to gradually reduce this and bring it in line with the levels of neighboring states. For this, the RDSS scheme has been implemented,” he said. The Chief Minister was replying to a starred question about the total funds allocated and utilized under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the member’s constituency. He explained that under RDSS, in addition to smart metering works, funds have been sanctioned for various “Loss Reduction (LR)” works.
These include AB cabling, HVDS, reconductoring, feeder bifurcation, and segregation, depending on district-specific technical requirements.
The funds for LR works have been sanctioned at the district level rather than for individual constituencies, he added.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the sanctioned cost for LR works in Doda District is ₹86.28 crore, with the works awarded in September 2023.
“The funds for these works are being released by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in different tranches based on the progress of the projects. So far, ₹17 crore has been released in two tranches, both of which have been fully utilized. Funds for the next tranche are being sought as per the norms of the scheme,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the slow progress of RDSS projects, the Chief Minister explained that after the issuance of the sanction order, the package (including Doda district) was tendered for the first time on March 31, 2023.
“However, due to a poor response, the tendering process had to be extended three times. Finally, the bid was opened on August 4, 2023, and awarded on September 8, 2023,” he stated.
He further informed that 12.25% progress has been achieved so far, and the works are moving forward at full pace with no delays.
“Going by the current pace, it is expected that the works in Doda district will be completed well within the sunset date of RDSS, which is March 31, 2026,” he added.
The Chief Minister further stated that the RDSS Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formulated in two parts, one which includes Loss Reduction (LR) works and smart metering projects and part b which covers modernization works.
“The DPRs for both parts were submitted to the Ministry of Power (MoP). However, the sanction has been received only for Part A works,” he said. Regarding Part B, the Chief Minister mentioned that the DPRs are currently at the appraisal stage with the Nodal Agency of MoP.
“Once the Part B DPRs are sanctioned by MoP, the modernization works will be awarded as per the terms and conditions specified in the sanction order,” he concluded.