Jammu and Kashmir Unveils 7,768 MW Hydropower Push Amid Soaring Demand

SRINAGAR: In a significant move to harness Jammu and Kashmir’s vast hydroelectric potential, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior government officials to accelerate the development of hydropower projects across the Union Territory. The meeting reaffirmed the administration’s focus on making hydropower the mainstay of the regional economy and a driver of energy security, employment, and industrial growth.

Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department, Rajesh Prasad, informed the meeting that Jammu and Kashmir possesses an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, of which about 15,000 MW has already been identified. However, only 3,540.15 MW has been harnessed to date, comprising 1,197.4 MW from the UT sector, 2,250 MW from the central sector operated by NHPC, and 92.75 MW from Independent Power Producers. To bridge this gap, the administration has laid out an ambitious strategy to develop 15 major hydropower projects aggregating a total capacity of 7,768 MW, which are at various stages of execution.

Among the under-construction projects, 3,063.5 MW worth of capacity is currently being implemented, with 49.5 MW in the UT sector and 3,014 MW in the Joint Venture sector. Projects with a combined capacity of 641 MW, including 141 MW in the UT sector and 500 MW in the central sector, are either tendered or at the award stage. Another 4,063.5 MW of projects are in advanced stages of investigation or appraisal and are ready to be tendered out. These include 390 MW in the UT sector, 2,743.5 MW in the central sector, and 930 MW in the Joint Venture space.

Several important projects were reviewed in detail. The Pakaldul Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,000 MW, has achieved 70 percent physical progress as of June 30, 2025, and is expected to be commissioned by December 2026. The Kiru project, with a capacity of 624 MW, has also achieved 64 percent physical progress and shares the same expected commissioning timeline. The Kwar project, which will generate 540 MW, currently stands at 22.15 percent progress and is targeted for completion by March 2028. The mega Ratle Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 850 MW, has recorded significant excavation progress — 81 percent of the powerhouse cavern, 100 percent of the dam abutment, and 95 percent of the tailrace tunnel — and is anticipated to be commissioned by August 2029. In the UT sector, Parnai (37.5 MW) has reached 64 percent progress and is expected to be commissioned by December 2027, while Karnah (12 MW) has made 74.75 percent progress and is slated for completion by November 2025.

Tendered projects currently include the 93 MW New Ganderbal and 48 MW Lower Kalnai schemes. Upcoming large-scale projects in the pipeline include the 1,856 MW Sawalkote, 930 MW Kirthai-II, 800 MW Bursar Storage, 390 MW Kirthai-I, 260 MW Dulhasti-II, 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II, and the 89.5 MW Ujh multipurpose project. These projects span the UT, Central, and Joint Venture sectors and are central to the government’s long-term vision.

JKSPDC, the state-run power corporation, is also making inroads into solar energy. The corporation is currently developing a 10 MW grid-connected agro-solar power project in Pampore in phases, with 5 MW already under implementation. Detailed Project Reports have also been prepared for floating solar projects at the Lower Jehlum HEP (4.2 MW) and the Baglihar reservoir (2.1 MW).

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for strict adherence to deadlines and directed all concerned departments to expedite clearances and resolve bottlenecks to ensure time-bound completion of these vital projects. He also underscored the importance of local area development and holistic rehabilitation and resettlement for affected communities. He emphasised that the R&R plans must include market-driven skill training for local youth, enabling them to integrate into the changing economic landscape and benefit from these large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

Friday’s meeting made clear the administration’s determination to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a power-surplus region and leverage its natural resources for long-term economic sustainability. The government views the hydropower sector not only as a pillar of energy self-reliance but also as a transformative tool for development, jobs, and inclusive growth across the Union Territory.