A team of Engineers headed by Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Alok Kumar and Chief Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), Babila Rakwal, visited and inspected various Small Hydro Projects (SHPs) being developed by JAKEDA in Ganderbal and Anantnag districts.

JAKEDA, has allotted 39 Hydro Sites with an aggregate capacity of 111 MW for development through Independent Power Producers (IPP Mode) and commissioned 4 SHP sites with a cumulative capacity of 15.75 MW, so far.

The team visited 2 MW capacity Rayil SHP developed by M/s Gousia Road Construction Company, 5 MW SHP Baltikulan developed by M/s Mass-N-Ergy Private Limited, 6 MW SHP Butakulan being developed by M/s S A Power Utilities Private Limited in Ganderbal and 5 MW capacity SHP Ichoo-Kokernag developed by M/s O2Z Trading Private Limited in Anantnag.

Pertinently, the two SHP sites at Ichoo and Baltikulan have been commissioned during the last financial year, 2 MW SHP Rayil in May, 2021 and 6 MW SHP at Butakulan in Ganderbal district has been proposed to be commissioned by the end of the current fiscal. The cumulative capacity of these three commissioned SHPs is 12 MW with an aggregate annual energy generation of approximately 63 million units.

The commissioning of the SHPs has not only benefited the local populace in terms of providing employment opportunities but has also contributed towards tapping of small hydro power potential in remote areas of J&K.

 The Power Generated from the Small Hydel Projects has been categorized under white category (Clean Energy) by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). Since these projects have minimal impact on environment, the energy generated thereof from these SHPs shall help in reduction of CO2 emission @ 50 thousand tonnes annually.

During the visit, Principal Secretary interacted with the workers and engineers stationed at the sites, who informed there were huge challenges during development of these Hydro Power Plants but due to the efforts and cooperation of Engineering Team of JAKEDA the SHPs was finally commissioned successfully.

Later, Principal Secretary convened a meeting with the developers regarding the issues and impediments faced by the IPPs in development of Small Hydro Power Sector in J&K. He assured the IPPs of all possible support from the government in this regard.