Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector is standing at a critical juncture. Once the pride of the region, several hydroelectric projects are now shadows of their designed potential. Projects like USHP-I, USHP-II, Chenani-I, and Ganderbal, among others, are today struggling to deliver even half of their intended generation. The numbers are stark -an actual generation of only 4913 million units in 2023-24 is much shorter than the designed capacity. Worse still, powerhouses like Bhaderwah and Sewa-III are completely defunct. This situation is neither sudden nor surprising. Many of these projects have outlived their design life of 35 years, making breakdowns and frequent shutdowns the norm rather than the exception. Compounded by declining hydrology due to climate change and the usual challenges of siltation and trash accumulation, these plants are caught in a downward spiral.
What is concerning is that it took years for the realisation to dawn. The Government’s move to seek the help of IIT-Roorkee and NHPC for revival is a welcome step. These plants are public assets, built with significant public investment. Yet, maintenance has often been reactive instead of preventive, and life-extension plans have been postponed. Sewa-III, for example, has been shut since 2013 after rain-induced damage, and even after IIT-Roorkee submitted a DPR two years ago, its revival remains stuck in files. This delay directly impacts the people of J&K, who continue to face power shortages and inflated electricity bills.
The Government’s move must now translate into action, not just another round of reports and committees. This is also an opportunity to overhaul the very approach to power generation in J&K. Reviving these plants without addressing root causes – outdated machinery, poor hydrology management, and lack of modernisation – will be efforts in futility. The revival must be comprehensive, involving cutting-edge technology, climate-resilient designs, and a serious commitment to sustainable operations. Moreover, the Government’s decision to push forward 15 additional projects, including some in joint ventures and private partnerships, could be a game-changer – if executed professionally and transparently. The region cannot afford to remain energy-starved when it has the natural advantage of hydro resources.
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