#RenewableEnergy Archives

Ambitious Plan Unveiled: J&K Govt to Achieve Power Self-Sufficiency by 2027

March 6, 2025 Editor

Govt Committed to Offer 200 Units Free Electricity: J&K CM Omar Abdullah Jammu 05 March 2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Wednesday that Jammu and Kashmir aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation by 2027. As part of this ambitious plan, the government is committed to offering 200 units of free electricity to consumers, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply. Self-Sufficiency in Power Generation The Chief Minister emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) is prioritizing the development of hydroelectric power projects to achieve self-reliance…

Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat: Power Generation Down 83%

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025 Editor

Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The stark reality of climate change has become increasingly evident at the Baglihar Dam along the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Chenab Valley. The prestigious Baglihar hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 900 MW, is currently generating a mere 150 MW of power, signifying a decline of 83 percent. “Climate change and less precipitation are having a direct impact on the power generation from Baglihar,” said a senior Power Development Department (PDD) official, noting that both stages…

Omar Abdullah Advocates for Rapid Development of J&K Hydropower Infrastructure

January 24, 2025 Editor

At another event in Bari Brahmana area of Samba district, Omar asserted the importance of a land and its people in forging their identity and exhorted them to never let it go. Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asked Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC) to assess the progress made in execution of new hydro- electric projects and the expected enhancement in power generation from these projects. During a meeting, Omar emphasised the need for timely execution of these projects to ensure their public utility and stressed…

Electricity Crisis in Kashmir: Battling Darkness in the Harsh Winter

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 Editor

The Winter Struggle: How Power Cuts Are Affecting Life in Kashmir Srinagar, December 19, 2024 – As snow blankets the valleys of Kashmir, the region plunges into an all-too-familiar struggle with prolonged and frequent electricity cuts. Residents across metered and non-metered areas are enduring outages that range from 50% to 60%, throwing their daily lives into disarray during one of the most challenging times of the year. From students struggling to study by candlelight to patients relying on life-saving devices, the electricity crisis has wide-reaching consequences. As promises of improvement…

Will J&K’s Ratle Power Flow Outward? Leaders Question Priority in Electricity Pact

January 6, 2024 Editor

J-K leaders question decision to lease out electricity from Ratle Project to Rajasthan Party leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday questioned the administration’s decision to lease out electricity from the Ratle Power Project in Kishtwar to Rajasthan, pointing out that the Union Territory is itself facing a “severe power crisis”. Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a joint venture between the NHPC Limited and JKSPDC, has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited for 850 MW sourcing from the…

From Uttarakhand to Kashmir: Understanding the Himalayan Development Dilemma in Depth

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 Editor

Reevaluating Himalayan Development Models: Lessons from Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse and Kashmir Challenges By: Javid Amin The collapse of a tunnel in Uttarakhand recently has reverberated as more than just a tragic incident; it’s a poignant call to reconsider the development strategies in the Himalayan region. To grasp the implications fully, it’s imperative to widen the lens beyond Uttarakhand, shedding light on the similar challenges faced by regions like Kashmir. The Himalayas, known for their breathtaking landscapes and ecological significance, are experiencing increased human intervention. The Uttarakhand tunnel collapse is a…

Amarnath Cave Shrine In Kashmir Himalayas Gets Motorable Road, But At What Cost?

November 7, 2023 Editor

A Road to Development or Ecological Peril? By: Javid Amin The Amarnath Cave Shrine, a place of divine serenity ensconced in the lofty Himalayas of Kashmir, is more than just a pilgrimage site. It’s a spiritual beacon that draws millions of Hindu devotees from across the world. At an altitude of over 3,800 meters, this shrine is not just a religious destination; it’s an arduous journey into the heart of nature’s splendor. However, the recent developments in the Kashmir Valley, driven by the Indian government’s initiatives, have brought about significant…

J&K’s Power Crisis: Why is the Region Still Relying on External Power Sources Despite Hydropower Potential?

October 15, 2023 Editor

J&K’s Hydropower Riches: Why is the Region Still Spending Billions on Power Purchases? Jammu and Kashmir’s over-reliance on external power sources has incurred a substantial cost of Rs 63,000 crore over the past 11 years. This hefty expenditure on power purchases from external generation companies (gencos) underlines the ongoing energy challenge in the region, despite its substantial hydropower potential. Official data reveals that from the fiscal year 2012-13 to 2022-23, the power purchase bills from external power distribution companies (discoms) have reached a cumulative total of Rs 63,000 crore. In…

Kashmir Faces Power Shortage as Dry Spell Reduces Hydropower Output

September 29, 2023 Editor

With prolonged dry spell leading to the reduction in water level in most of the water bodies across the Valley, the Kashmir-based power houses are generating less electricity, prompting the government to go ahead with power curtailment, causing immense hardships to the people. Pertinently, August and September—2023 has recorded deficient rainfall while the hot and humid weather conditions continued for weeks together, breaking the decades old record in the month of September. The hot and humid weather conditions resulted in reduction in water level in the famous water bodies including…