While the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir rush with untapped energy, over 80% of the region’s massive hydropower potential sits dormant. It’s a staggering waste. The region boasts an estimated capacity exceeding 20,000 MW, thanks to its perfect topography and river systems including the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi. Yet only a measly 3,263 MW—less than 20%—has been harnessed so far.
Nature’s powerhouse runs idle while Kashmir’s rivers carry untapped millions of megawatts downstream.
The numbers tell a depressing story. Of the 14,800-18,000 MW identified in government surveys, just 20-24% is being utilized. That’s water wealth literally flowing away unused. The current installed hydropower capacity from state-owned projects stands at just 1,197.4 MW from 13 facilities, with Baglihar-I and II contributing 450 MW each.
What’s being done about this? Well, there’s talk. Lots of talk. Fifteen projects totaling 7,768 MW are allegedly at “various implementation stages.” Since 2019, projects like Kiru (624 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and the tiny Karnah (12 MW) have been launched. Officials predict 7,000 MW added capacity in the next decade. We’ll see about that.
The challenges aren’t small. Geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, economic hurdles, and infrastructure limitations all contribute to the underutilization. Even existing projects face limitations—Uri-I drops from 480 MW to just 200 MW during winter months due to reduced water flow. Not exactly reliable. The government is actively pursuing the transfer of power projects from NHPC to address the significant generation deficit in the region.
JKSPDC, the state power company, has at least been productive in some ways, generating 48,808.68 million units between 2014-15 and November 2023. At least the energy deficit has dramatically decreased from 17.8% in 2018-19 to a mere 1.5% in 2023-24. But it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what could be.
Meanwhile, collaborations with NHPC, CVPPL, and RHPCL continue, with agreements for an additional 4 GW in development. The J&K Hydro Power Policy-2025 aims to sustainably develop the full 18,000 MW potential. Ambitious? Absolutely. Realistic? The rivers keep flowing, and the potential remains largely untapped. Only time will tell.
References
- https://risingkashmir.com/jk-reports-1197-4-mw-power-generation-from-13-hydropower-projects/
- https://theaspd.com/index.php/ijes/article/download/11286/8082/23810
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1988259
- https://pdd.jk.gov.in/jkpdd/uploadedfiles/Drafthydropolicy2025_20251202174115.pdf
- https://www.hydropower-dams.com/news/mous-signed-for-4-gw-of-hydropower-in-jammu-and-kashmir/
- https://iced.niti.gov.in/energy/fuel-sources/hydro/potential
