On January 3, 2021 The Power Development Department (PDD), Jammu and Kashmir(J&K); National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd and J&K Power Development Corporation signed many Memorandum of Understandings(MoUs) to implement & execute mega hydro power projects in J&K.
i.Mega hydro power projects include, 850 MW Ratle HydroElectric Power Project(HEP) and 930 MW Kirthai-II HEP, and executing the pending Sawalkot HEP (1856 MW), Uri-I (Stage-II) (240 MW) and Dulhasti (Stage-II) (258 MW).
ii.These projects will attract investment of Rs 35,000 crore for J&K power sector and ensure energy security and 24-hour power supply to J&K.
Purpose of the MoUs– To make J&K a power surplus region in India.
Target-To double the energy generation of J&K by 2024 and formulate a strategy for efficiency through policies, monitoring mechanisms to ensure energy security for economic and social benefits, by utilising J&K’s hydro energy resources.
About 19 important Projects of PDD were Inaugurated
In addition to this, about 19 important projects of PDD were also inaugurated during the Mega inauguration ceremony. The project aims to have a great generation, efficient transmission and better distribution of power supply in J&K
Key People
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Raj Kumar Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Power, New & Renewable Energy and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K and Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS, PMO, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.
Provisions of MoUs
According to the provision of these MoUs, after 40 years of commercial operations, the projects will be given to J&K.
Key Info
i.With these projects, J&K will become a power surplus region from a power deficit region in the next 4 years.
ii.Of the 2 agreements, NHPC will work in association with the administration at the first and Sawalkot project will be given to NHPC to complete under second.
iii.This project has been postponed since its conception in 1984 and was expected to generate 1856 MW power
Benefits of these Projects
i.These projects will generate employment opportunities and also boost the per capita income of J&K.
ii.These will ensure that additional 3498 MW power is generated in the next three to four years.
- The hydro resources of J&K can generate 14,867 MW power but till now only 3504 MW power has been generated.
Projects Inaugurated During Mega Inauguration Ceremony:
During the mega inauguration ceremony some other projects were also inaugurated including:
33/11 KV 10 MVA Sub Station at Anchidora, Khrew-II,Uri town , Bagh-i-Islam, Choon Budgam, Changmulla; 2×10 MVA 33/11 KV Sub Station Canal –II and 10 MVA 33/11 KV Sub Station Udhaywalla; Additional 50 MVA Transformer at Barn , Draba and Siot Grid Stations among others.
Note- As per the national average, electricity in rural areas is 20 hrs and in urban areas is 22-23 hrs
Other MoU signed for Development of J&K
The UT administration has signed many MoUs for the development of J&K including an MoU with National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.(NAFED) in order to bring reforms in the horticulture sector, for high density plantations, cold storage cluster, market linkage and Geographical Indication(GI) tagging of local products that includes announcement of Rs 2200 cr investment in the UT by NAFED.
Click here to know more details about the MoU
Gist about Hydroelectricity:
i.According to the ‘2020 Hydropower Status Report and Covid-19 Policy Paper’ of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), India becomes the 5th largest hydropower capacity in the world with its total installed base now standing at over 50 Gigawatt.
ii.The top 5 nations include, Canada, US, Brazil and China.
Recent Related News:
On November 4, 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the investment of Rs.1810.56 crore for 210 MW Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project located on river Satluj situated in Shimla & Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh (HP) .
About Jammu & Kashmir:
Dance Forms– Kud Dance, Dumhal Dance, Rouf Dance, Bachha Nagma, Hafiza Dance
Festivals– Jhiri Mela, Baisakhi, Purmandal Mela, Hemis Festival, Chaitre Chaudash.
