Adil Lateef
Srinagar, Feb 16: One of the oldest hydro-electric plants in South Asia, Mohra power house in Uri area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, which is lying defunct since 1992 is now expected to be restored this year as Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) Limited has been assured by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) regarding release of water to it for power generation.
The 9 MW Mohra power house was developed by JKSPDC in early 1905 and until 1992 it was operational. However, according to official sources, it became defunct following generational loss and subsequent increase in repairing costs in the aftermath of 1992 floods. The heritage project was constructed by European engineers in 1902-03 on the left bank of the river Jehlum on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road at Boniyar in Uri.
Since 1992 no attention was paid towards the Mohra power house and finally in year 2015, JKSPDC hired Delhi-based consultant firm, Synergic India Limited, for upgradation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) to revive this prestigious project in view of its heritage value.
Chief Engineer, CI&D, Hamid Shah, said that Synergic India Limited has been hired and they have started the work. “They have prepared DPR on methodology and power potential,” he said, adding: “however a problem emerged after NHPC refused to release water for the power house.”
“They categorically told us that we won’t give any water,” said the top official. After NHPCs’ refusal, the JKSPDC took up the matter at the highest level and subsequently, the Director Technical, NHPC agreed to provide water supply in written, he added. The Chief Engineer said that NHPC agreed to supply 11.33 cubic meter water and asked the JKSPDC to go ahead with the DPR. “They will also release additional 400 cusec water,” he added.
He further said that the project would be restored in full-fledged manner after clearing whole process. “The project would be finally restored by the end of this year. We have to follow the process and that include getting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from several departments,” he said.
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