The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has immense hydropower potential. However, the current state of its approved but pending hydroelectric projects highlights a concerning delay in leveraging this resource. Despite being concurred by the Central Electricity Authority several years ago, four major projects in the region-Kirthai-II, Sawalkot, Uri-I Stage-II, and New Ganderbal-remain stuck due to the absence of forest and environmental clearances or delays in awarding contracts. Hydropower is a critical component of India’s renewable energy strategy. It offers a cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable energy source compared to fossil fuels. The four pending projects in J&K alone, with a combined capacity of 3119 MW, can be a substantial boost to the region’s energy infrastructure. This, in turn, could transform the local economy by creating jobs, attracting investments, and reducing dependency on costly and polluting energy imports. For instance, the Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project, designed as a run-of-the-river system, promises an annual energy generation of 3466.19 million units. Similarly, the massive Sawalkot project, with its planned capacity of 1856 MW, could become a game-changer in meeting both local and national energy demands. The smaller projects, Uri-I Stage-II and New Ganderbal, also hold significant importance by adding capacity and enhancing the utilisation of existing river systems.
Despite these promises, the persistent delays in securing forest and environmental clearances underscore the bureaucratic hurdles that continue to plague infrastructure development in the region. Projects such as Kirthai-II and Sawalkot, which were approved by the CEA in 2019 and 2018, respectively, are yet to receive the necessary permissions to begin construction. The environmental clearance process, while essential to ensure sustainable development, often lacks the required streamlined procedures to expedite projects of national importance. Additionally, the delay in awarding contract packages for projects like New Ganderbal reflects inefficiencies in planning and coordination among stakeholders.
The prolonged inaction has far-reaching consequences. The delay in hydropower development deprives J&K of the economic benefits associated with these projects. With a high unemployment rate, the region is missing out on opportunities for skill development, job creation, and the growth of ancillary industries. Second, the inability to harness hydropower exacerbates India’s dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to higher carbon emissions and undermining global climate commitments. The stalled projects also hinder India’s ability to meet its ambitious target of achieving 50 percent of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. Moreover, delays impact the local population of J&K by perpetuating energy shortages and limiting access to reliable power supply. Despite its vast hydroelectric potential, J&K continues to face severe power crises year after year. For a region striving to recover from years of conflict and economic stagnation, the unfulfilled promise of hydropower projects represents a lost opportunity to drive long-term development. Another significant setback is the underutilisation of water and resources allocated to us under the Indus Waters Treaty. Despite its vast hydroelectric potential, J&K is burdened by massive power debt, straining its economy.
Authorities need to establish a single-window clearance system for forest and environmental permissions to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays. Leveraging technology for transparent and time-bound approvals is critical. Simultaneously, enhanced collaboration among ministries involved and local authorities is essential. Periodic reviews and accountability mechanisms can ensure timely resolution of bottlenecks. Revisiting policies under the Electricity Act and other related regulations can provide the flexibility needed to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.
The hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir is a resource waiting to be unlocked. These mega projects are not merely power generation schemes; they symbolise hope for a greener, more prosperous future for the region and the nation. Delays must no longer be the norm, especially for projects that hold the promise of transforming not just the energy landscape but also the socio-economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. It is time to prioritise action over inertia and make the most of the hydropower potential that nature has so generously bestowed upon the region.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
