JK has harnessed only 3,500 MW of its 15,000 MW hydropower potential: Power dept informs assembly panel

Srinagar: Out of Jammu and Kashmir’s estimated 15,000 MW hydropower potential, only around 3,500 MW has been harnessed so far, the Committee on Public Undertakings of the JK Legislative Assembly was informed during a review meeting on Tuesday.

Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department, H Rajesh Prasad, presented the figures while briefing the Committee about the region’s current power generation scenario. The committee convened at the Assembly Complex in Srinagar to examine audit paras related to the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).

Chairman of the Committee, Ali Mohammad Sagar, who presided over the meeting, stressed the urgent need to tap the Union Territory’s vast untapped power resources and called for speedy completion and commissioning of all ongoing hydroelectric projects.

“It is the responsibility of this Committee to ensure people do not suffer due to delays in execution and completion of power projects. Accountability must be fixed on companies or officials causing such delays,” Sagar said, calling for improved coordination and audit compliance.

The Chairman also underlined the importance of transparency, directing officials to submit all relevant audit reports and ensure accountability. A joint representation submitted by employees of various PSUs was referred to the General Administration Department (GAD) for appropriate comments.

Legislators Saifullah Mir, Ali Mohammad Dar, Baldev Raj Sharma, Shakti Raj Parihar, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Showkat Hussain Ganai, Saif Ud Din Bhat, and Tanvir Sadiq were among those who attended and contributed suggestions regarding the power sector.

The Committee stressed upon the need for corporation-wise review meetings to strengthen the functioning of Public Sector Undertakings. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that projects serve the public without undue delays.

Senior officials from JKSPDC, the Power Development Department, JAKEDA, Finance and Audit wings, and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat were also present.