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Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for a significant expansion in hydro power generation, with total installed capacity expected to reach 7,314.85 MW by 2030-31. The government plans to add over 3,700 MW through projects under construction and at the proposal stage. While most existing projects are operating across Union Territory, central and private sectors, delays in some private developments have raised concerns over viability. The government has also reiterated that all villages are electrified, though some remote habitations and households still await power connections.
Jammu and Kashmir is expected to see a sharp rise in hydro power generation capacity over the next few years, with the overall installed capacity projected to reach 7,314.85 MW by 2030-31. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly that the expansion would be driven by new projects under construction and those planned for commissioning over the coming years. Advertisement
At present, the Union Territory has 32 operational hydro power projects with a combined installed capacity of 3,540 MW. These include 13 projects in the Union Territory sector generating 1,197 MW, six central sector projects with a capacity of 2,250 MW, and 12 private sector independent power producer projects contributing 92.75 MW. The chief minister, who also holds charge of the Power Development Department, outlined these details in response to a question raised in the Assembly.
The government has planned an additional 3,704.5 MW of capacity through eight proposed and six under-construction hydroelectric projects. These projects are scheduled to be commissioned in phases between 2026-27 and 2030-31. Capacity additions are expected to include 1,685.7 MW in 2026-27, followed by 577.5 MW in 2027-28, 1,370 MW in 2029-30, and 141 MW in 2030-31. Once completed, these additions are expected to more than double the current installed capacity.
Concerns were also raised over delays in the Ans (Nandoli) hydro power project located in Gulabgarh constituency. The project, which was originally tendered during 2011-12, was allotted in late 2012, with the implementation agreement signed in early 2013. However, execution has been delayed due to non-performance by the private developer. The power corporation issued a notice of default to the developer in August last year, following which the detailed project report was submitted in October.
Subsequently, a financial analysis submitted earlier this year indicated a 40-year levelised tariff of INR 7.30 per unit, making the project economically unviable under prevailing market conditions. The developer has sought to exit the project and requested a refund of the premium deposited, citing external factors and policy-related constraints. The matter is currently under examination by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation in line with the implementation agreement and the Hydro Electric Power Policy of 2011.
On rural electrification, the chief minister stated that all villages in the Jammu division have been electrified, either through on-grid or off-grid systems. However, he clarified that some newly developed habitations, clusters, or individual households remain without electricity. Efforts are ongoing to address these gaps under centrally sponsored schemes such as DA-JGUA and Union Territory capital expenditure programmes.
Certain remote habitations in the Billawar area, including Thingen, Kanodi and Hanok, were identified as partially electrified or unelectrified. While these habitations were initially proposed for electrification, they were later dropped from the final approved project reports due to cost escalation. Revised detailed project reports for these areas are now being prepared to enable future electrification.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What is the projected hydro power capacity of Jammu and Kashmir by 2030-31?
Jammu and Kashmir's total installed hydro power capacity is projected to reach 7,314.85 MW by 2030-31. This represents a significant increase from the current capacity of about 3,540 MW and reflects the government's plan to more than double generation through new hydroelectric projects over the next few years.
Q2. What is the current status of hydro power projects in the Union Territory?
At present, Jammu and Kashmir has 32 operational hydro power projects. These include 13 projects in the Union Territory sector with a capacity of 1,197 MW, six central sector projects generating 2,250 MW, and 12 private sector projects contributing around 92.75 MW. Together, these projects form the existing hydro power base of the region.
Q3. How will the additional capacity be added over the coming years?
An additional 3,704.5 MW is planned through eight proposed projects and six projects currently under construction. These capacity additions are scheduled in phases between 2026-27 and 2030-31, with the largest additions expected in 2026-27 and 2029-30. Once commissioned, these projects are expected to substantially strengthen the region's power availability.
Q4. Why has the Ans (Nandoli) hydro power project faced delays?
The Ans hydro power project in the Gulabgarh constituency has been delayed due to non-performance by the private developer. Although the project was awarded in 2012 and agreements were signed in 2013, execution did not progress as planned. A financial analysis later showed a levelised tariff of INR 7.30 per unit over 40 years, making the project economically unviable, leading the developer to seek an exit.
Q5. What steps is the government taking regarding stalled or unviable projects?
The Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation is examining the developer's request to exit the Ans project in line with the implementation agreement and the Hydro Electric Power Policy of 2011. The government has indicated that project viability, tariff concerns and policy provisions will guide decisions on how such stalled projects are handled going forward.
Q6. What is the status of rural electrification in Jammu and Kashmir?
According to the government, all villages in the Jammu division have been electrified through grid or off-grid solutions. However, some newly formed habitations and individual households, particularly in remote areas, are still without power. Revised project reports are being prepared to cover habitations that were earlier excluded due to high costs, with electrification planned under central and Union Territory schemes.
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