Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar will become North India’s major “power hub” generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects.
Dr Jitendra Singh who was scheduled to address two public rallies at Nagseni and Dachhan respectively, cancelled both the rallies as a mark of respect to the victims of tragic train accident in Odisha and instead convened a detailed meeting to review the progress of various Hydroelectric power projects in the Kisthwar and Doda districts. NHPC Chairman Rajiv Vishnoi, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Devansh Yadav and officials of Central and UT governments updated the Minister about the progress of the projects. Later, Dr Jitendra Singh also visited remote,far flung,hilly region of Dachhan Former J&K Minister Sunil Sharma, DDC Members, local PRI representatives and prominent political leaders, BJP President Chuni Lal, senior leaders Tariq Keen,Pradeep Parihar, Cap Hukum Chand as well as a number of political persons of the region accompanied the visit during the visit.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilised for other parts of the UT, but could also be availed by other States. He lamented that the rich natural resources of Chenab were not exploited by the previous governments which ruled J&K for 60-65 years. This, the Minister said, makes Kishtwar region as a major power hub of North India. He also assured 100 percent reservation for locals in unskilled jobs for these projects and promised to give preference to local talent in skilled manpower requirements. Pertinent to mention that the largest capacity project is Pakal Dul with a capacity of 1000 MW. Its estimated cost, as of now, is Rs.8,112.12 crore and expected timeline of competition is 2025. Another major project is Kiru Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 4,285.59 crore and the timeline in this case is also 2025. Another Project located about 43 km from Kishtwar is Kwar Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW. The estimated cost of this project is Rs.4526.12 crore and the timeline of competition is 54 months. About 25 kilometres upstream of Kiru Hydroelectric project is another Hydroelectric project Kirthai II Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 930 MW. At the same time, 850 MW Ratle project has been revived as a joint venture between the centre and UT of J&K. In addition, the existing Dulhasti power station has an installed capacity of 390 MW, while Dulhasti II Hydroelectric project will have a capacity of 260 MW.
