Centre Plans New Hydropower Push for J&K, Puts Sawalkot on Horizon: Union Power Secretary
Ongoing mega-projects to eliminate local power shortages and feed national grid; UT crosses 100 MW mark under PM Surya Ghar Scheme.
SRINAGAR: In a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s clean energy sector, Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal announced on Saturday that the Central Government is actively considering new hydropower ventures—including the long-awaited Sawalkot project—to unlock the Union Territory’s massive untapped generation potential.
Addressing media personnel, Agarwal emphasized that ongoing power ventures across the region are advancing steadily. He stated that these developments will not only resolve J&K’s internal energy requirements but also channel surplus power into the national transmission network.
The Union Power Secretary noted that major projects currently under execution—including Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar—are progressing well through the joint mechanism of the Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) with full administrative cooperation from the J&K administration.
“We are actively looking at Sawalkot and definitely intend to take up this project in the near future. The ongoing projects in J&K will fulfill regional demand while serving the broader power needs of the entire nation,” Agarwal stated.
Responding to concerns regarding the Union Territory’s persistent reliance on imported power despite an estimated 14,500 MW hydro potential, the Secretary maintained that the commissioned pipeline of projects would structurally solve this deficit over time.
Key Takeaways
- New Horizon: Preliminary groundwork and intent confirmed for the massive Sawalkot Hydropower Project.
- CVPP Speed-up: Rapid progress reported across Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar power plants.
- Solar Milestone: J&K achieves its initial 100 MW mark under the rooftop solar programme.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Crosses 100 MW Milestone in J&K
Reviewing the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Agarwal shared that nationwide enrolment has surged past 50 lakh consumers. Within Jammu and Kashmir, the rooftop solar initiative has successfully crossed its baseline milestone of 100 MW.
Evaluating regional adoption rates, he highlighted that Srinagar, Budgam, and Kupwara districts have registered impressive momentum, while districts such as Baramulla and Bandipora are currently lagging.
Agarwal reiterated that the central subsidy disbursal mechanism is completely digital and transparent, delivering direct benefits straight to consumers’ bank accounts without bottlenecks. He added that talks will be held with the J&K Chief Secretary to further streamline the UT administration’s top-up subsidy component.
Secretary Inspects Seva Setu Abhiyan Camp
Earlier in the day, the Union Power Secretary visited the Seva Setu Abhiyan Camp held in Srinagar under the aegis of the PM Surya Ghar initiative. During his inspection, he reviewed citizen facilitation counters and interacted directly with empaneled solar vendors and beneficiaries.
Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mahmood Ahmad Shah, briefed the Secretary on localized deployment strategies, vendor networks, and consumer outreach drives aimed at accelerating household solar uptake across Kashmir Valley.