‘No major progress in coal block development’
PDD aims to add 2406 MVA through new Grid Sub Stns
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced that a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan is being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to provide round-the-clock power supply to the people even as he admitted that there has been no major progress in development of a coal block in Odisha which was allocated to J&K State Power Development Corporation jointly with NTPC in July 2013.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Omar, who holds charge of the Power Department, gave two exhaustive written replies on power scenario in J&K, in the Legislative Assembly today in response to two questions raised by BJP MLA from Jasrota (Kathua) Rajiv Jasrotia and National Conference legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo.
“No power projects have been identified for transfer to National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC),” he said. However, he added, J&K has allotted number of projects to NHPC for development in Central sector from time to time.
The Chief Minister said there has been 65 percent progress on 1000 MW Pakaldul, 54.09 pc progress on 624 MW Kiru and 18.65 percent progress on 540 MW Kwar project till February 2025. All these projects are being executed by CVPPL. On 850 MW Ratle project, he said, the progress was only 20.01 percent till February this year. This project has been undertaken by RHPCL.
“JKSPDC and NTPC signed the joint venture agreement on June 15, 2015 for exploration, development and operation of the jointly allocated coal mining block in Odisha but the NTPC Limited on November 22, 2018 surrendered its share in the coal block citing reasons like envisaged delay in environmental clearance, non-accessibility to the site along with hostile local environment in nearby areas and the same was accepted by the concerned Ministry,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that in June, 2019, the J&K Government requested the Coal Ministry for allotment of alternative coal block, in place of Kudanali-Laburi in favour of the NTPC-JKSPDC joint venture company in light of the challenges anticipated in its development.
However, he said, the request was declined by the Ministry of Coal citing the reason that there was no provision under MMDR Act, 1957 to allocate an alternate coal block in lieu of a cancelled coal block.
Omar said a well-coordinated plan taking a holistic view of all key elements of the power supply chain is under implementations and the Power Development Department is committed to provide 24×7 reliable, affordable and high-quality power supply to every household.
He mentioned the plan in detail which includes system up gradation/modernization works in transmission and distribution systems under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), development of several generation projects and schemes like Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with a target completion by 2027-28.
“A Resource Adequacy Plan has been formulated with the help of Central Government, taking into consideration future load projections and peak demand for the next 10 years. To create adequate transmission infrastructure for the evacuation of power from upcoming projects, enhance peak load handling capacity, and support growing demand, the transmission system is being improved,” Omar said.
He added that under the plan, the department aims to add around 2,406 MVA (at 220 & 132 kV levels) through setting up of new grid substations and the augmentation of existing grid substations in the Jammu region.
“Major hydro projects, namely Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle are progressing fast and are expected to collectively add over 3,000 MW in installed capacity after their commissioning by 2027. In addition, new projects such as 390 MW Kirthai-I, 258 MW Dulhasti-II, 800 MW Bursar, 1,856 MW Sawalkote, 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II, 89 MW Ujh, and 930 MW Kirthal-II are also planned for completion within the next 10 years,” the Chief Minister said.
To meet growing demand, he said, efforts are being made to create a balanced energy mix, including hydro, thermal, and renewable sources of energy, through creation of own generating stations and entering into Power Purchase Agreements with outside generators.
“In Kashmir region, around 2,500 MVA capacity is targeted to be added at both voltage levels. Additionally, several existing grid stations will be renovated and modernised in a phased manner,” Omar said.
Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has significant potential for solar energy, and the installation of solar rooftops is being encouraged through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he said as metering progresses and reaches a larger number of consumers, the Government expects significant improvements in power supply, with no power cuts in low-loss areas.
He said such improvements are already evident on feeders where 100 per cent smart metering has been completed including 45 in Kashmir and 50 in Jammu.
Omar said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between JKSPDC and NHPC on January 3, 2021 for the execution of 1,856 MW Sawalkote HEP, 258 MW Dulhasti Stage-II and 240 MW Uri-I stage-II by NHPC in Built, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) mode for a period of 40 years.
As per the MoU, the J&K Government is entitled to receive 12 per cent free power, one per cent Local Area Development Fund (LADF), first right of refusal for purchase of 50 per cent of power generated at price determined by the regulator.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
