Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s review meeting of major hydro and solar power projects in Jammu and Kashmir comes at a critical juncture when the UT is grappling with a persistent power crisis. Despite its immense untapped potential in hydro, solar, and even coal-based energy resources, J&K remains a net importer of electricity. This paradox highlights systemic inefficiencies and underlines the urgent need for course correction. The projects under review-including the 1856 MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project, the 93 MW New Ganderbal HEP, the 48 MW Lower Kalnai HEP, and the 5 MW Solar Power Project at Pampore-are not merely development initiatives. They are foundational to the economic revival and long-term energy security of the UT. However, years of delays, legal entanglements, contractual disputes, and funding shortages have slowed their progress, worsening the power deficit and burdening the exchequer.
J&K’s power problem is multifaceted. While it possesses an estimated hydroelectric potential of over 20,000 MW, only a part has been harnessed so far. What’s more disconcerting is that most operational mega hydropower plants-run by agencies like NHPC-offer the UT only a minimal share in the power they generate. As per the prevailing power agreements, J&K receives an incremental share that starts low and rises gradually, but never to a substantial level. This skewed arrangement forces the UT to purchase electricity from the central pool at a premium, worsening its fiscal strain. Adding to the woes are some of the highest AT&C losses in the country. The evidence indicates a significant leakage of both energy and revenue due to outdated infrastructure, rampant power theft, and poor metering. Despite administrative reforms such as unbundling the PDD, the efficiency gains have been marginal. Revenue collection continues to lag, weakening the financial viability of the sector.
Against this bleak backdrop, CM’s intervention assumes great significance. By personally taking charge-especially when both power and finance portfolios are under his purview-there’s renewed hope for fast-tracking key decisions and clearing bureaucratic bottlenecks. His directive to explore viable alternatives to revive stalled projects like New Ganderbal and Lower Kalnai is timely and pragmatic. Given the rising costs of delay, time-bound decision-making is not a luxury but a necessity. Equally important is the CM’s emphasis on solar power, particularly the underutilised land at Pampore. With solar tariffs becoming increasingly competitive and central incentives available, exploring solar energy as a parallel track could yield quick, scalable gains. The 5 MW solar project may seem modest in scale, but it can serve as a model for decentralised generation, especially in off-grid or difficult terrain regions.
Perhaps the most strategic decision discussed in the meeting was the upcoming Draft Hydro Power Policy 2025. This forward-looking policy aims to attract private capital through Independent Power Producers and PPP models. Transparent project allotments, streamlined clearances, fiscal incentives, and guaranteed power offtake are all promising measures. If implemented earnestly, this policy could kickstart a much-needed investment cycle in the energy sector.
Yet, policy intent must be backed by institutional resolve. Several self-financed small and medium hydro projects-conceived with the idea of retaining 100 percent power share within the UT-remain in limbo due to administrative inertia and financial constraints. The CM’s instructions are clear: hurdles will exist, but departments must provide solutions, not excuses. A focused, coordinated, and time-bound approach-anchored by consistent monitoring from the top-is the need of the hour. Accountability must be enforced, and performance metrics must be clearly laid out for all stakeholders involved.
Practically, indigenous power generation is not a matter of choice but an existential imperative for J&K. Without achieving energy self-reliance, the UT cannot hope to sustain industrial growth, attract investment, or improve the quality of life for its citizens. The review meeting could be a turning point-provided it leads to swift action on the ground. The road ahead is challenging, but with political will, administrative coherence, and a results-driven approach, J&K can finally start to harness the power it has long been sitting on.
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