Manohar Lal reviews power and urban development progress in J&K

13 Jun 2025 CW Team

Key issues concerning the power sector in the UT were discussed during the meeting, including the UT’s progress, challenges, and future requirements. The administration presented achievements and concerns in both the power and urban development sectors, and explored potential solutions to address future demand.

The UT acknowledged the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in strengthening power distribution infrastructure, particularly in remote areas. Appreciation was expressed for the approval of the revised cost for RDSS works. The UT also sought additional support from the Centre for upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, and committed to continuing efforts for sectoral improvements.

The Union Minister highlighted that the visit aimed to facilitate the resolution of key issues and the identification of new initiatives to enhance citizen services. He urged the UT to plan capacity enhancement in line with the Resource Adequacy plan and commended ongoing efforts to reduce power purchase costs and improve financial sustainability of power utilities.

The UT was advised to swiftly implement sanctioned RDSS projects and to roll out prepaid smart metering in a phased manner—beginning with government establishments and extending to commercial and industrial users. The Minister recommended completing prepaid meter installations for all government departments and colonies by August 2025 and stressed the need to clear pending departmental dues.

Recognising the UT’s considerable hydroelectric potential, the Union Minister encouraged its optimal utilisation. He suggested coordination with the central government for workforce skill development in the hydro sector and called for resolution of pending issues related to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects to ensure timely completion. The UT was also urged to consider waiving the water cess on hydro projects to reduce power costs and tariffs for consumers.

The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir and expressed good wishes for the welfare of its people.

News source: PIB

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of the power and urban development sectors for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar. The review meeting was attended by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, the Chief Secretary of the UT, senior officials from the Government of India and the UT administration, as well as representatives from state power utilities and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).Key issues concerning the power sector in the UT were discussed during the meeting, including the UT’s progress, challenges, and future requirements. The administration presented achievements and concerns in both the power and urban development sectors, and explored potential solutions to address future demand.The UT acknowledged the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in strengthening power distribution infrastructure, particularly in remote areas. Appreciation was expressed for the approval of the revised cost for RDSS works. The UT also sought additional support from the Centre for upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, and committed to continuing efforts for sectoral improvements.The Union Minister highlighted that the visit aimed to facilitate the resolution of key issues and the identification of new initiatives to enhance citizen services. He urged the UT to plan capacity enhancement in line with the Resource Adequacy plan and commended ongoing efforts to reduce power purchase costs and improve financial sustainability of power utilities.The UT was advised to swiftly implement sanctioned RDSS projects and to roll out prepaid smart metering in a phased manner—beginning with government establishments and extending to commercial and industrial users. The Minister recommended completing prepaid meter installations for all government departments and colonies by August 2025 and stressed the need to clear pending departmental dues.Recognising the UT’s considerable hydroelectric potential, the Union Minister encouraged its optimal utilisation. He suggested coordination with the central government for workforce skill development in the hydro sector and called for resolution of pending issues related to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects to ensure timely completion. The UT was also urged to consider waiving the water cess on hydro projects to reduce power costs and tariffs for consumers.The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir and expressed good wishes for the welfare of its people.News source: PIB

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..