Jammu and Kashmir grapples persistently with an enduring power crisis, exacerbated by parched summers and increasingly arid winters. Despite a combined production capacity of 3500 MW in hydroelectric generation, a mere 600 MW is presently being generated. The consequential shortfall renders it evident that J&K’s electricity demands cannot be met solely through hydroelectric means. A systematic strategy is underway, wherein J&K seeks thermal power agreements with various states to address this shortfall. A crucial lesson learned is the imperative need for timely selling and purchasing agreements, requiring foresight from authorities to anticipate and address emerging power shortages. A primary impediment is the glaring absence of metering, with 45% of households lacking meters. This leads to the imposition of flat rates, despite consumers exceeding sanctioned capacities manifold. While stopgap measures may suffice seasonally, a pragmatic approach necessitates exploring additional power sources beyond hydroelectric potential. Authorities must urgently re-evaluate their entire strategy, emphasising the revival of the Kalakote thermal power plant and gas turbines in the Kashmir Valley, coupled with universal metering at a 100% coverage rate.
The authorities in the UT are cognizant of the predicament, having implemented various measures to alleviate the crisis. However, unless a comprehensive long-term strategy is devised, there are not many prospects for improvement in the near future. The ongoing hydroelectric projects under construction, while promising, are encumbered by temporal constraints. Moreover, the impending scarcity of rainfall is poised to impede the production capacity of these ventures as well. Presently, Jammu and Kashmir’s power scenario relies entirely on Central grants, as exemplified by the Central government’s majority funding of the CVPP projects. This precarious situation demands immediate attention and the implementation of drastic emergency measures. The existing dependence on a singular energy source exposes numerous vulnerabilities, as evident in recent seasons. Power agreements with other states operate on a reciprocal basis, yet J&K has failed to produce surplus electricity for exchange, neither in summer nor winter. Relying solely on the benevolence of the Centre proves to be an inadequate solution; authorities have to formulate a comprehensive, long-term, and viable plan.
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