Power supply is a vital area closely related to the development of the State and creation of employment opportunities in different sectors of services. Usually we are in the habit of subjecting the PDD to all sorts of criticism on the simple count that either there are frequent shutdowns in power supply or other irregularities of non-temporary nature. We seldom try to find out the status of power supply through official records. The simple fact is that we have shortage of power and we are obliged to purchase it from the National Power grid. Obviously as there is a gap between supply and consumption, we are always running in deficit and the liabilities multiply. This is in place and what is needed is to know what the PDD is doing in the areas of production of power and its distribution. These two vast sectors are in sync but at the same time they have to function independently.
In the 72nd meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) recently held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the Commissioner-Secretary of Power Development Department apprised the house of the power generating projects in hand, their capacity, present status and expenditure involved besides describing the futuristic plans of the department. What we can deduce from the reports about deliberations in the meeting of the Board of Directors is that a number of power generation schemes are in the process of making with some almost nearing completion and at the same time many new schemes are also in the blue print which have received the nod for approval and execution. Setting up of a power generating plant is easy said than done. It is a time consuming affair because of complicated and comprehensive laws that are in place and need to be observed. Hence delay in timely execution and completion of the plant.The Corporation is presently looking after 23 hydropower projects with a total installed capacity of 1211.96 MWs besides four IPPs of 42.5 MWs. Four projects are under implementation in the State Sector with a capacity of 103.5 MWs and three major projects with an expected generation capacity of 3176 MWs are in the pipeline. Various ambitious projects in State Sector like 1850 MW Sawalakote HEP, 390 MW Kirthai-I and 930 MW Kirthai-II are at an advanced stage of appraisal with Central Electricity Authority (CEA). In a major decision taken in the meeting the long pending contract allotment issue of the 93 MW New Ganderbal Hydropower Project was discussed and it was decided that the matter will be referred to the State Cabinet.
In short, the status of generating hydroelectric power in the State is not that dismal but of course it is time consuming which in some cases cannot be avoided. We are hopeful that future promises some bright scope for much needed improvement in power generation and supply in the State.
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