Srinagar, Feb 20: The J&K government said that 32 hydro power projects are currently operational across the Union Territory with a total installed capacity of 3,540.15 MW.
The details were shared in reply to a question raised by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Legislative Assembly, seeking project-wise status of functional and under-construction hydro projects along with their generation performance.
According to the official reply, 13 projects with an aggregate capacity of 1,197.4 MW are in the UT sector. Six major projects with a combined capacity of 2,250 MW fall under the central sector, while 12 projects with 92.75 MW capacity are being run by private Independent Power Producers.
The government further stated that six additional hydro power projects are under construction in the UT sector, which together are expected to add 3,063.5 MW to the existing capacity once completed.
On power generation, the House was informed that the total installed capacity in the UT sector stands at 1,197 MW with a design energy of 5,318.11 million units. During the previous financial year, the sector achieved a generation of 4,974.66 million units, which amounts to 93.5 per cent of the design energy.
The government attributed the shortfall primarily to machine breakdowns, damage and leakages in civil structures, and the prioritisation of water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes over power generation.
Responding to a separate query on the Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project, the government said the project is being implemented by NHPC under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 3, 2021. It stated that major clearances are in place and the proposal has been circulated to the Public Investment Board for investment approval.
A meeting of the Board is expected in February 2026. The delay in commissioning was attributed to the complex technical nature of the project and the large financial outlay involved.
On the status of the Chenani Hydro Electric Plant, the government said the project comprises three stages with a combined capacity of 38.6 MW. It was informed that the Chenani region witnessed severe flash floods on August 26, 2025, causing extensive damage to civil, hydro mechanical and electro mechanical components of the plant. As a result, all three stages were placed under forced shutdown to ensure safety and to conduct a detailed damage assessment.
The government said restoration works have been planned in three phases, out of which two phases, including emergency restoration and health assessment, have been completed. Based on the assessment, the DPR for comprehensive restoration is in its final stage, and the tendering process is likely to begin by March 2026. The restoration work is expected to be completed within ten months from the date of award.
