Hydropower Generation Drops Sharply Amid Dry Weather in Jammu and Kashmir: Officials
SRINAGAR: Due to low snowfall and reduced water levels, hydropower generation from power plants across Jammu and Kashmir has declined by 5 percent in the past month. Overall, local hydropower generation has dropped by 84.17 percent.
In January, the Power Development Department (PDD) was generating nearly 250 megawatts (MW) from local hydropower projects, accounting for 20 percent of the total generation capacity. However, this month, power generation has fallen further.
A senior PDD official said, “In January, we were generating around 250 MW of power from plants across Jammu and Kashmir. However, in February, production has dropped to just 190 MW.”
The official acknowledged that power generation has been lower than in previous years due to climate change and global warming. “Over time, we have struggled to generate the usual power levels due to decreased water availability. The period of water availability is also shrinking,” the official said.
Hydropower generation fluctuates daily, as water is reserved during the day to generate electricity during peak hours. “During peak time, we generate 50 MW from the Lower Jhelum project and 5 MW during off-peak hours. Additionally, the Kangan and Sumbal power projects generate 8 MW and 6 MW, respectively,” the official added.
Jammu and Kashmir has a total hydropower generation capacity of 1,200 MW, with 900 MW coming from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project.
“Last year, we faced similar conditions regarding snowfall and power generation in February,” the official noted. “If snowfall occurs in the coming weeks, it could improve the situation.”
The official also mentioned that some previously non-functional machines have been restored, and the department hopes for better output in the coming months. (KNO)
