Chicago – November 13, 2024
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the challenges posed by the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on J&K’s hydropower potential at a conference of state and UT power ministers in New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, brought leaders together to discuss pressing power issues.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that the treaty’s terms prevent J&K from fully utilizing its rivers for hydropower, only allowing “run-of-the-river” projects. As a result, J&K struggles with low power generation in winter, which leads to hardships and heavy reliance on power from other states, impacting the economy.
He urged the central government for special financial support, like viability gap funding, to unlock J&K’s hydropower capacity, which would boost local energy needs and contribute to India’s clean energy goals.
Omar also called for central support to fast-track power loss reduction projects through organizations like PESL and the National Thermal Power Corporation. He requested additional funding for electrical infrastructure projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Additionally, Omar expressed J&K’s interest in accessing surplus solar energy generated in Ladakh. The J&K delegation included top officials like Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta and Principal Secretary Power, H. Rajesh Prasad.
