J&K govt to allot work for construction of 2,200-MW power proj

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the government will allot the work for construction of power projects with cumulative generation capacity of 2,220 Mega watts which will make the state self sufficient in its energy requirements.
"Work is ongoing on power projects with 1,600-MW generation capacity. We hope to allot works on power projects with 2220 MW very soon," he said after launching the second phase of Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Project (R-APDRP) here.
The Chief Minister said although there is a gestation period of six to seven years for the power projects, once these projects are completed, Jammu and Kashmir will not only become self- sufficient in electricity requirements but will be able to sell some of it to neighbouring states.

"Then we will not be dependent on NHPC for electricity. It will also improve the economic condition of the state. We would not have to worry about electricity supply being snapped," he added.
On the benefits of the R-APDRP scheme, Omar said it will also go a long way in improving the power scenario in the state.
"The transmissions and distribution losses, which have already been reduced, will be brought down further. The quality of electricity supply has improved," he said.

The Chief Minister said there was politicking being done on power scenario, which should not be the case as reforms were necessary for improvement.

Abdullah admitted that his opposition to installation of electricity meters in 2004, when he was in opposition, was wrong.
"Today I admit I was also guilty. When in opposition, I also said a lot of things against (installation of) meters. It was wrong," he said.
The R-APDRP will be implemented in 30 towns of the state - 19 in Kashmir and 11 in Jammu. In Kashmir, an amount of Rs 890 crore will be spent under this scheme with Srinagar city getting nearly 75 per cent of the funds.