The Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation(JKPTC) is likely to test 220 KV DC, Thein- Hiranagar transmission line to tap power from Ranjit Sagar Dam following the clearance from Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL).

The official sources told The Dispatch that the PSPCL has written a letter to Jammu Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation (JKPTC).  “Following this the JKPTC will issued notice to the people living around this line and will advise them not to construct permanent or temporary construction around the line and stay away from thepower line,” official told The Dispatch.

 “The line has not connected with Ranjit Sagar Dam and will be back-fed to the Hiranagar grid for test charging,” they added.

Out of 600 MW power generation from Ranjit Sagar Dam, 20 percent 120 MW power will delivered to Jammu and Kashmir. However, J&Kgovernment have to pay charges for power as per agreement signed betweenJ&K and Punjab government

Officials added that the Hiranagar transmission line is ready but the line could not connect due to disagreements over several issues between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.  After connecting this transmission line with the Hiranagar grid, other interconnected grids will also be provided electricity at the time of need.

The agreement between the government of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir on the purchase of 20 per cent power over the Ranjit Sagar dam wassigned many years ago.

According to the agreement signed by Jammu and Kashmir in 1979, it has the right to purchase 20 percent of power generated from the dam,but the same have to pay charges. However, the Himachal government modified agreement and currently 4.6 percent of free power from the dam.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Ranjit Sagar Dam,also known as the Thein Dam, is part of a hydroelectric project constructed by the Government of Punjab Punjab Irrigation Department on the Ravi River on the Border of two states of India Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. 60% of the lake ispart of J&K.

The project is situated near Pathankot city in Pathankot district of the state of Punjab and Kathua city and Basholi tehsil of Kathua district in J&K.  It has a 600Megawatt capacity. The dam is one of the highest earth-fill dams in India and has the largest diameter pen stock pipes in the country.