HM Desk
The recent revelation of a severe power deficit in Jammu and Kashmir due to a substantial decline in water levels in rivers and streams is a cause for concern. This situation demands a critical examination, as it reflects a systemic failure and a lack of proactive planning in the region’s power sector.
The Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD), H Rajesh Prasad, disclosed that local power generation has plummeted to a mere 250 MWs in October, despite an available capacity of 1400 MWs. To make up for this deficit, the PDD continues to supply 2200 MWs of power, including 1200 MWs to the Kashmir division and 1000 MWs to Jammu, with an additional 700 MWs being procured through power exchange. This revelation raises a host of critical issues:
Resource Mismanagement: The power deficit in Jammu and Kashmir is primarily a result of over-reliance on hydroelectric power, which is highly dependent on water resources. The drastic decline in water levels highlights the vulnerability of this approach. Rather than adapting to changing environmental conditions and exploring diversified energy sources, the region has clung to an outdated model.
Lack of Contingency Planning: It is alarming that the power sector in Jammu and Kashmir seems unprepared for fluctuations in power generation. The dramatic reduction from 1050 MWs in June-July to 250 MWs in October raises questions about the region’s contingency planning and ability to address crises effectively.
Impact on Public Welfare: The fact that power is still being supplied at subsidized rates to consumers is undoubtedly a positive gesture. However, the power deficit inevitably results in power cuts and hardships for the people. It is incumbent upon the authorities to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power supply.
Deficiency in Long-Term Vision: The commitment to reduce Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses to 20% over the next three to five years is a welcome step. Nevertheless, it also raises concerns about why such steps were not taken earlier. It underscores a lack of long-term vision and neglect of essential infrastructure development.
The power deficit in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a one-off problem but a symptom of systemic issues that require immediate attention. The region’s overreliance on hydroelectric power, lack of contingency planning, and insufficient infrastructure development have placed the residents in a precarious situation.
The administration must be held accountable for not creating the alternatives to generate electricity instead of hydropower generating projects like solar power plants, thermal power plants, and wind power plants. It has been seen that everything has changed or is changing after the revocation of article 370 and 35A, but this is the only and most essential sector which remained unchanged and reliant on water flow. There is a pressing need to invest in alternative energy sources, modernize the power infrastructure, and ensure that the public receives the reliable power supply they deserve.
The power deficit is not just an inconvenience but a reflection of a larger failure in governance, and it is crucial that the authorities take this criticism seriously and act swiftly to address the power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir.
