Centre starts identification of locations
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 14: Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar today said the Central Government has started identification of locations for setting up new hydropower plants in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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In an interview to a national newspaper, he said the construction has resumed on three to four projects that were earlier stalled while additional projects are being planned, and site identification is under way. Authorities are now examining potential sites for more plants as part of plans to increase power generation in J&K, he added.
“Some hydropower stations in Jammu and Kashmir are already operational, while work is under way to restore reservoir capacity through desilting,” he added.
The Union Power Minister said the Government is also studying the possibility of diverting water from Jammu and Kashmir toward Punjab and further to Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi through canals or tunnels. He added that there are also proposals to divert water towards Punjab and further to Rajasthan, Haryana, UP and Delhi through canals or tunnels.
“Two or three potential routes are under evaluation. One alignment proposed through the city of Jammu may not be practical, while another route bypassing the city is currently being assessed for feasibility and cost,” Khattar said.
The Minister’s remarks come amid wider discussions on strengthening India’s power infrastructure to keep electricity supply ahead of rising demand.
All this is possible because of abrogation of Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan by the Central Government following Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local guide were killed.
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