J&K to hand over 51 mini-hydel power projects to pvt sector

The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to give 51 mini-hydro-electric power projects to the private sector. Out of the total, 28 projects have already been offered to the private sector.

The majority of the companies investing in the J&K power sector are from outside the state. Hardly 20 per cent of the local firms have shown interest to invest in power generation. The main reason behind the poor investment from the state itself is less expertise in this field.

The power development corporation (PDC) has decided to generate 330 megawatt of hydel power from these mini-power projects.

Development Commissioner Power Showkat Wani disclosed that all the habitation of the state would be provided regular and adequate power supply by the next three years, by encouraging mini- and medium-hydroelectric power projects as more than 25,000 megawatt power potential was available in J&K.

In order to improve the power generation and distribution system, the central government is providing sufficient funds under the Rajiv Gandhi Gram Vidhyutikaran Yojana and the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Programme.

Moreover, after the completion of Baglihar hydroelectric project over the Chenab river in Ramban district of Jammu region, the power supply position will improve markedly.

The first phase of the 390-megawatt Dul hydel project in Kishtwar has already started and this project with the request of the state government is being handed over to J&K by the Centre.

Its two other phases will be ready for operation shortly.

Another top PDC official disclosed that the Baglihar project suffered delay in commissioning, which was scheduled in December this year, due to objections raised by Pakistan. It is now expected to be commissioned by March next year.

A minor change in the design and reduction in the dam height has been made.