J-K Power Plunges 85% Amid Water Shortages: Immediate Action Required for Infrastructure Upgrade

J-K Power Plunges 85% Amid Water Shortages: Immediate Action Required for Infrastructure Upgrade

Asif Iqbal | December 22, 2023 | 04:22 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

J-K Power Plunges 85% Amid Water Shortages: Immediate Action Required for Infrastructure Upgrade.image/KL

J-K Power Plunges 85% Amid Water Shortages: Immediate Action Required for Infrastructure Upgrade

Severe water shortages have led to an alarming 85% reduction in power generation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir, posing a significant challenge to the region. The overall power generation capacity stands at 1200 Megawatts, as revealed by H Rajesh Prasad, the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD). He emphasized the substantial deficit in power generation from the Union Territory pool, citing a meager output of 150 MWs during the current winter season due to water scarcity.

Highlighting the region’s heavy reliance on the central pool to bridge the power gaps, Prasad disclosed that out of the total capacity of 2800 MWs, only 150 MWs are generated from the state pool. The remaining 2650 MWs are sourced from the central pool, encompassing recent Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) facilitated by the JKPDD.

In an effort to address the power crisis, the Jammu Kashmir government, in the ongoing fiscal year, signed PPAs for 2500 MWs on December 12. A high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, and Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha reviewed the power sector’s status in J&K. Principal Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad presented a comprehensive overview of recent achievements during the meeting.

It was highlighted that J&K has undertaken proactive measures to ensure an adequate power supply in both the short and medium terms. However, persistent issues with the outdated power infrastructure, described as ‘old and obsolete,’ continue to hinder uninterrupted power delivery to citizens. Official documents reveal that these outdated elements, some in use for over 40 years after repeated repairs, pose a significant challenge, leading to frequent conductor snapping and transformer damage.

The document emphasizes the seasonal variation in power demand, particularly during winters when hydel power generation faces limitations. Experts suggest that addressing these challenges requires a substantial investment in strengthening the transmission system, including the creation of new transmission lines and grid stations. This initiative aims not only to meet the growing power demand but also to efficiently evacuate power from upcoming generation projects.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.