Jammu & Kashmir
Baglihar, Salal projects shut simultaneously; forced power curtailments likely in JK
Srinagar: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Sunday warned that parts of Jammu and Kashmir may witness power cuts over the coming days due to the simultaneous shutdown of two major hydroelectric power projects.
In an advisory, KPDCL said flushing operations at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project will commence at 10 pm on Sunday. As part of the process, power generation will be gradually reduced from 3pm before the project is completely shut down by 7:30pm. The shutdown is expected to last four to five days.
The corporation said the Salal Hydroelectric Project has been offline since July 18 for scheduled maintenance, which is expected to continue for 10 days.
According to KPDCL, the closure of both projects is likely to result in a power deficit of nearly 1,000 MW across Jammu and Kashmir during a period of high summer electricity demand, as both plants contribute significantly to the region’s power supply.
To reduce the impact, KPDCL said it is arranging additional electricity through short-term purchases from the power exchange. However, it warned that if the shortfall persists, temporary power curtailments may become unavoidable.
The power utility urged consumers to conserve electricity and extend cooperation until normal generation resumes.