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

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

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…

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

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

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…

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

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

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…

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

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

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…

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Kashmir Faces Power Shortage as Dry Spell Reduces Hydropower Output

Kashmir Faces Power Shortage as Dry Spell Reduces Hydropower Output

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…

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