Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting held to review the draft Jammu and Kashmir Hydro Power Policy 2025, emphasising the Union Territory's significant potential in hydropower generation and its role in economic development.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the vast opportunities in the power sector, stating that Jammu and Kashmir possess immense potential for power generation which can substantially boost the region's economy. He also underscored the necessity of reducing power losses, noting that such inefficiencies constitute a substantial drain on resources.

The draft policy aims to attract the private investment in hydropower generation by revising the existing framework. It proposes categorising hydroelectric projects into two segments: Small Hydroelectric Projects (up to 25 MW) and Large Hydroelectric Projects (above 25 MW and up to 100 MW). The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for projects up to 10 MW, while the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) will oversee the projects above 10 MW.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Power Development Department, H. Rajesh Prasad; Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya; Managing Director JKPDCL, Pankaj Magotra and Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and JKPCL, Ch Mohd Yasin besides others.

The discussions focussed on finalising the policy framework to effectively harness the Jammu and Kashmir's hydropower potential, aiming to attract private investment and promote sustainable development in the region.

It is pertinent to mention that the UT administration will also hold consultations with the stakeholders on this account.