The government appears to be taking measures towards achieving the goal of 24×7 quality power supply in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the deadlines set up due to varied reasons and apparently due to covid-19 have not been met. In 2020, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) and then Lieutenant Governor “highlighted the mission of the Union Government to provide 24×7 power to all the districts of J&K within the next two years.”
The Government of India, the Minister had said, envisions harnessing over 9000 MW of electricity during 2017-22 (13th five year plan).
Three years down the line, on 27 February 2023 KPDCL and JPDCL signed MoUs worth Rs 1814 Cr & Rs 2174 Cr, respectively, with PESL (PGCIL), RECPDCL & NTPC, in presence of the incumbent Lt Governor for implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). As per the government it will strengthen distribution infrastructure and improve electricity supply to urban and rural areas.
Dedicating the power infrastructure projects to the people, the Lt Governor said the projects inaugurated today will add to the existing distribution capacity and provide quality power supply to the households and existing & upcoming industrial units in the respective areas.
The completion of projects under the MoUs signed will go a long way to achieve the goal of providing 24×7 quality power to the people of Jammu Kashmir, he added. Surely various projects undertaken for creation of new receiving stations and augmentation of existing stations will ensure quality and reliable power supply to people. As observed by the Lieutenant Governor, there is a need to achieve huge capacity addition under Centrally Sponsored Schemes/PMDP projects. Out of 195 projects, 135 have been completed and the remaining 60 projects will be completed in coming months.
The power scenario in Jammu Kashmir, which was in “shambles for decades”, the Lieutenant Governor said has witnessed a major turnaround with more electricity being supplied, especially in far-flung areas as compared to previous years.
In Kashmir valley, additional capacities were created during the winter to enable peak demand and 10 percent more power was supplied as compared to last year, he said. For the first time, he said, in a single year out of total 30 grid stations, 11 stations have been augmented.
While the efforts by the government are welcome, the J&K needs to address the issues by putting in place sufficient Transmission and Distribution systems and address other areas of concern.
