Omar Abdullah Rules Out Power Privatisation, Vows Sawalkote Revival

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dispelled speculation about privatisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector, asserting that reforms, loss reduction and improved billing efficiency could strengthen the system without resorting to private control. He also reiterated his government’s resolve to revive the long-stalled Sawalkote hydropower project and continue efforts for restoration of statehood.

“We are not talking about privatisation. If we reduce our losses, improve billing efficiency and enhance revenue generation, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Omar Abdullah said while addressing the 58th Engineers’ Day function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).

He underscored the need to reduce transmission and distribution losses before expanding generation capacity, adding that hydropower remained the state’s only viable energy resource despite high costs. “We should generate electricity and sell it to other regions, especially when their production is low. But to achieve this, we must first bring down losses in the power sector,” he said.

In an interaction with reporters, the Chief Minister said the 1100-megawatt Sawalkote power project had been “ruined by politics” in the past, making its revival more challenging due to cost escalation. “Even then, we are trying to somehow get this project completed,” he said, calling it vital for boosting Jammu and Kashmir’s power generation capacity.

Omar Abdullah also linked economic progress to political stability, reiterating his party’s commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He said his party would continue political and legal efforts, including exploring new legal strategies as the matter comes up before the Supreme Court in October. “We have not stopped talking about statehood,” he said, adding that he was seeking support from national leaders, including Sharad Pawar, who had recently written to the Prime Minister on the issue.

The Chief Minister said his decision to retain the power portfolio personally stemmed from its centrality to Jammu and Kashmir’s prosperity, lauding projects such as Baglihar for transforming the region’s power scenario despite hurdles.