Jammu and Kashmir has huge power deficit
By IANSFriday, February 25, 2011
JAMMU - The water resources-rich Jammu and Kashmir, which has the potential to generate 10,000 MW of power, is suffering a huge power deficit.
Besides an estimated loss of Rs.1,500 crore, the state owes the central government an interest of Rs.2,360 crore on the principal amount of Rs.2,100 crore incurred on account of the purchase of power.
These startling disclosures were made at a meeting of the state’s power development corporation here Thursday.
The state’s peak demand is 1,800 MW, whereas its optimum generation capacity is 1,400 MW and that too mostly of the National Hydro-Electric Corporation (NHPC) projects like Salal, Dul Hasti and Uri.
The state gets only 12 percent of the power generated.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced his worries: “Where the money is going to come from?”
The problem in Jammu and Kashmir, according to official sources, is that the transmission and distribution losses are massive and that power tariff remains uncollected in many parts of the state.
Official sources said the state is trying to bridge the gap by going in for construction of major hydro-electric projects, including 450 MW Baghliar II on the Chenab river.
