Srinagar, Apr 29: The State government has acknowledged that it has failed to tap the water potential of Jammu and Kashmir for power generation.
“Even though the power sector is the most important sector in the State having the potential of facilitating overall development in the shape of industrialization, employment generation, sustainable economic development, for one reason or other the State has not been able to capitalize on the opportunity not being in the position to invest requisite equity in the projects that are ready for implementation,” says the Economic Survey Report 2009-2010. 
It says inability to utilize the vast hydro potential as a result of fiscal constraints is not only hampering achieving self-sufficiency in energy but also results in huge economic losses. However, the report says the government was serious to harness water potential of the State in 12th plan. The report however was not tabled before the State Assembly despite assurances of the Government.
Interestingly, the reports says in 10th five year plan no additions have been made in the power generation in the State sector.
In 11th plan Baghlihar-1, 450 MWs, was added to the State power generation making an aggregate of 758.70 MWs hydel power available to the state.
In contrast, during the first year of 11th five year plan (2007-2008) Dulhasti Power Project in Kishtwar with the capacity of 390 MWs was commissioned which increased the power generation in the Central Sector from 1170 MWs to 1560 MWs.
Presently, official sources said, seven power projects under execution of NHPC are scheduled to be completed by end of this year while as four other projects under Central sector were expected be completed by end of 11th five year plan. “In all we are expecting 3399 MWs will be harnessed under Central sector up to ending of 11th five year plan,” said a senior official.
However, he presented the dismal scenario in the State sector. He said under the State sector Pahalgam (3rd unit) 1.50 MW will be completed by 2011. “Machil with 0.35 MWs, Sanjak 1.26 MW, Bhaderwah 0.50 MW will also be completed by 2011,” he said.
“Civil work has been almost completed in Machil and the electro mechanical equipment will be installed after refurbishment,” he said. “In all by 2011 we will be able to add 3.61 MWs in the State sector,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST