Only 1 JKSPDC mini hydropower project of Pahalgam operational in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 5: Hydropower projects in south Kashmir are progressing unevenly, with only one government-run project operational and several others under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode at different stages of execution, the government said.

The government said most projects are being implemented through the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) under the IPP mode on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis.

Developers are responsible for execution and compliance, while JAKEDA facilitates clearances from concerned departments.

“The projects are normally required to be completed within 54 months from the date of issuance of the Letter of Award. However, delays may occur primarily due to issues related to financial closure and obtaining requisite Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs) or clearances,” the government said.

The Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) operates one Mini Hydroelectric Project at Pahalgam in Anantnag district with an installed capacity of 4.5 MW (3×1.5 MW), commissioned in 2013.

“All units are operational, but generation is currently about 1 MW due to low water discharge. Power is evacuated at the 11 KV level through the 33/11 KV Receiving Station Pahalgam,” the government said.

It said power generated from these projects is injected into the local grid and sold through open access by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Corporation Limited (JKPCL).

J&K is entitled to 12 percent free power after 10 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD), along with around 9 percent towards transmission and wheeling charges from the date of COD.

Two projects developed under IPP mode in Anantnag have also been commissioned.

The 5 MW Ichoo-Kokernag Hydroelectric Project, awarded in September 2015 to O2Z Trading Private Limited, was commissioned on March 27, 2020, while the 5 MW Mavar-Wayil project also awarded to the same company, was commissioned on December 15, 2023.

Two other projects in Anantnag are under construction.

The 1.65 MW Dadibal Kapran project was awarded in July 2013 to Al Madina Construction Pvt Ltd, is under execution, with statutory clearances obtained from departments including Fisheries, PHE, I&FC, R&B, Tourism, Pollution Control and Forest.

The 3 MW Daksum project, awarded in February 2013 to Kashmir Valley Energy Private Limited, is also under construction.

Recently awarded projects have obtained statutory clearances.

The 2 MW Sheshnag Pahalgam project in Anantnag, allotted in June 2024 to a consortium of I.S.A Power Utilities Pvt Ltd, Srinagar, and the 2 MW Sedaw project in Shopian, allotted to M/s Haji Muhammad Afzal Kuchay of Awantipora, Pulwama, have secured clearances from the concerned line departments.

The other projects in Anantnag district under IPP mode that have also secured Statutory Clearance from the concerned line departments include the 2.0 MW Upper Astanmarg Hydroelectric Project (HEP) allotted to PI Delta Energy Pvt Ltd Srinagar, 1.2 Dudal HEP Station allotted to Valley Hydro Powers Ltd, Srinagar, 0.70 MW Sarbal HEP allotted to PKB Consultants Srinagar and 2.0 MW Bradhaj HEP allotted to Constant Energy Producers Pvt Ltd , besides 1.5 MW Narastan HEP Station Pulwama allotted to Valley Hydro Powers, Pvt Ltd, Srinagar.

Other projects remain at preliminary stages.

The 2 MW Laam project in Pulwama, allotted to M/s R Energy Power Pvt Ltd, is under land acquisition stage, while the 3.5 MW Langai project in Anantnag, allotted to the same company, is under process for forest land acquisition.

On monitoring, the government said JKSPDC supervises its project, while IPP projects are subject to periodic review to ensure compliance with technical standards, safety requirements and environmental regulations, with developers responsible for obtaining all statutory and environmental clearances.