Government to speed up hydro-electric power projects in J&K following UT status

A day after the BJP led NDA government announced its move of scraping away Article 370 of the Constitution, the nation seeks to witness an increase in infrastructure in the newly formed Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.India will reportedly use this opportunity to accelerate its hydropower projects in the valley with the aim of setting up suitable avenues of economic growth and development, to credit its decision. As reported, an integral aspect of the Union Government’s effort to sustain its infrastructure schemes and maintain relations with J&K, has been the role of state-run NHPC that has continued to supply electricity to the area despite being owed dues of approximately Rs 15.12 billion. The company, which is the largest central utility for hydro power development in India, is responsible for investing over Rs 200 million with a quarter of that being paid to the state as payment of water usage charges. According to recorded data, the government led enterprise, in 2018 provided free power to the state amounting to Rs 43.92 billion. This is in addition to 789 MW of power already being supplied.  The move is therefore seen has a step towards the settlement of all dues owed to NHCP- which will in turn increase efficiency and will add to the steady working of all upcoming projects. In a joint venture with Chenab Valley Power Projects, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corp and PTC India, NHCP has undertaken the Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW) hydropower projects in the state.