The united Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated power potential of whopping 86000 megawatts (MWs) which, if harnessed properly, can pave way for free electricity and water for the next 100 years in the power-starved region without seeking help from either India or Pakistan, according to a survey.
The survey findings were released by a socio-cultural NGO, X-MITA on the United Nations Day celebrated on October 24.
According to the researchers, the environment-friendly hydro-power generation capacity of the united J&K can get up to 86000 MW with Gilgit-Baltistan contributing 40000 MW, Pakistan-administered Kashmir 18000 MW and J&K 28000 MW.
As per the survey, a hydro-electric power plant on average takes five years to cover up the investment cost and can be constructed in an average time period of 2-4 years.
The X-MITA study claims that people of united Jammu and Kashmir can get free electricity and water for next 100 years and have a healthy energy export based economy by the virtue of direct international exports of handicrafts, flowers and fruits.
“It can also pave way for 5.5 million international tourist potential which can make the united region of J&K at par with any first world region in less than a decade.”
Kashmir Center for Social and Developmental Studies (KCSDS) has endorsed the XMITA findings, saying that the hydel power could generate revenue of Rs 3 lakh crore in united J&K.
“This time we are harnessing only 10 percent of the total capacity. Otherwise it can cross 1 lakh MW with the use of modern technology and machinery which is huge as compared to the revenue generation through tariff which is less than Rs 2000 crore per annum,” said Shakeel Qalander of KCDS.
According to him, NHPC has been able to harness 2000 MWs while state government generates over 700 MWs.
Qalander said the government has not been able to run the power projects on revised capacity.
“If the power potential can be harnessed to its maximum capacity then united J&K wouldn’t need any help from either India or Pakistan,” he said.
According to Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) the estimated hydel potential of state is about 20000 MW out of which projects with 16200 MWs capacity have already been identified.
Well-known researcher, Rao Farman Ali said Jammu and Kashmir has the highest fresh water resources in whole of South Asia. “However, government couldn’t utilize the resources properly,” he said.
Laced with 86000 MW capacity, united J&K can have free power, water for 100 yrs: Survey
