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Indus Water Treaty suspended, moves afoot to revive power plant in Kashmir after 34 years
Mohra Hydroelectric Project was built in 1902 but became defunct after floods in 1992

Mohra Power Plant in Kashmir (File Pic)

Srinagar, Apr 2: Months after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, a 124-year-old hydroelectric project on River Jhelum in Baramulla district of Kashmir is being re-activated after remaining defunct for 34 years.

The Mohra Hydroelectric Project (MEP), considered heritage project, is located in Boniyar area of Uri in Baramulla, a district bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), and a process has been set in motion to revive it.

Built way back in 1902, the power plant was shut down in September 1992 after facing extensive damage due to floods.

According to the government, the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has approved a proposal to float a Limited Tender Enquiry (LTE) for the engagement of a Transaction Advisor (TA) from firms empanelled with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).

The Transaction Advisor, thus selected, will assist in the renovation, modernization, upgradation and operation and maintenance (RM&OM) of the Mohra HEP.

The BoD further authorized the Managing Director of JKSPDC to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) and the evaluation framework, constitute a tender committee, and issue the award to the selected Transaction Advisor.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently stated in the Assembly that the pace of construction of power projects in the Union Territory is being speeded up with the Indus Water Treaty being kept in abeyance.

Jammu and Kashmir has remained electricity-deficient for decades and one of the main reasons has been handicap to construct power plants on River Jhelum because of the IWT of 1960.

Under the IWT, the rights of usage of 6 common rivers have been divided between India and Pakistan. These rivers are – Jhelum, Chenab (of Jammu and Kashmir), Indus and Ravi, Beas and Sutlej (of Punjab).

The IWT mandates that India has restrictive rights over Jhelum, Chenab and Indus which flow from this country to the Pakistani side. Accordingly, India cannot build dams on these three rivers, whose usage is limited to agriculture and drinking.

On the other hand, India has unrestricted rights over Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers.

After the gruesome terror massacre in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22 last year by terrorists from Pakistan, India suspended the IWT as one of the measures of retaliation.

 

The Jammu and Kashmir government stated in the Assembly that the BoD of JKSPDC had deliberated on the matter related to Mohra Hydroelectric Project and taken a decision regarding the 10.5 MW power plant.

Although the present capacity of 10.5 MW is a modest one, officials are confident that it can be increased once the project is reactivated.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared by the IIT Roorkee whose team visited the site recently.

Considered one of the oldest hydroelectric projects in South Asia, the Mohra plant was built during the rule of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. It is said that the machinery for the plant was brought on horse carts from Rawalpindi in present-day Pakistan.

The power plant was constructed by Canadian-born engineer Major Alian de Litbniere and had unique engineering features, including an 11-kilometre-long wooden flume that acted as a water conductor.

The project was first damaged during the 1959 floods, but engineers restored it and expanded its capacity from 4 MW to 9 MW. The power generation capacity was later increased to 10.5 MW.

Dy CM Flags Forest Land Hurdle in Key Road Widening Project

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said that prior forest clearance is essential for the proposed road expansion project, citing that a substantial portion of the alignment falls under forest land.

Addressing the Assembly, he noted that the existing road, with a width of about 5.5 metres, is inadequate to manage the increasing traffic volume. He attributed the surge in vehicular movement to the growing industrial activity at Lassipora.

Choudhary emphasized that widening and upgrading the road is crucial to ease congestion and ensure smoother connectivity in the key industrial belt.(NVI)

Omar Abdullah Thanks Centre for PMGSY-I Extension Till 2027

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-I) in Jammu and Kashmir till March 2027.

The Chief Minister said the extension would help expedite the completion of key rural road projects across the Union Territory.

He said the decision is expected to improve connectivity in remote and rural areas, enhancing access to essential services and contributing to overall development in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.(NVI)

J&K Govt Has Handed Over Two Hydro Power Projects to NHPC, says PDP MLA

File Photo : PDP MLA Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Apr 2 (NVI): PDP leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government has handed over two new hydropower projects to NHPC amid the ongoing Assembly session, raising concerns over the UT’s control over its energy resources.

The Para said that an agreement has been signed between NHPC Ltd and JKSPDCL for the development of the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II and 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II projects, with a combined capacity of 500 MW.

He said the projects will be executed under the BOOT model for a period of 40 years, after which they will be transferred back to the Union Territory. The agreement, he added, was signed on March 27, 2026, in Jammu.

Para further stated that under the terms of the MoU, Jammu and Kashmir is entitled to over 12 percent of the electricity generated from NHPC-operated projects, while the remaining power is fed into the grid, forcing the UT to purchase electricity at market rates to meet its deficit.

Referring to past developments, Para said that in 2006, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had constituted working groups on Jammu and Kashmir’s economic development under former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan, which had recommended the transfer of Dulhasti and Bursar projects to the erstwhile state, but the proposal was not implemented.

He added that a cabinet sub-committee set up by the National Conference-led government in 2011 had also examined the issue and recommended that the Uri-II project be developed by the state after transfer of ownership, while setting a condition for Dulhasti-II to be taken up only after ownership of the existing Dulhasti project was handed over to the state. (NVI)

Suspicious Packet Recovered Near Border Village in R.S. Pura; Probe Launched

File Photo

Jammu, Apr 2 (NVI): Security forces recovered a suspicious packet, suspected to contain narcotic substance, during a late-night search operation in the border area of R.S. Pura, triggering an investigation to trace its origin and intended destination.

The search operation was carried out near the Korotana Border Outpost (BOP) in Korotana Khurd village at around 10:00 PM in an agricultural field belonging to Joginder Singh, son of Amarnath.

During the operation, a packet wrapped in yellow tape weighing approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms was recovered. Preliminary findings indicate that the contents are likely narcotic in nature.

The recovered consignment has been taken into custody, while concerned agencies have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain its source and identify the intended recipient. Further action in the matter is underway. (NVI)

LG Sinha chairs high-level meet, directs strict action against drug trafficking networks

Jammu, Apr 1 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu and directed strict enforcement of a “zero tolerance” policy against drug abuse, stressing a coordinated and aggressive approach to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard the future of youth across Jammu and Kashmir.

LG Sinha directed for adopting a ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy against the drug menace in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

He was chairing a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and senior officials of the Civil and Police administration at Lok Bhavan, Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized on a multi-pronged strategy: Strengthening law enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks, Intensive mass awareness campaigns to deter potential users, enhancing treatment and counselling and rehabilitation, to make Jammu Kashmir drug-free Union Territory.

“Action against drug abuse must be our top priority. We need a collective mechanism to safeguard our youth and ensure a healthy future for Jammu & Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed for strengthening grassroots intelligence and coordinated and stringent action against drug smugglers.

The meeting discussed the series of activities planned for a dedicated three-month campaign under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the senior officials to lead the campaign from the front and ensure participation of every section of the society and stakeholders to make this campaign a people’s movement.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; S.J.M Gillani, Special DG (Coordination); M.K. Sinha, ADGP Headquarters; Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Divisional Commissioners, IGPs, DIGs, Deputy Commissioners, Director Information, SSPs and other senior officials.(NVI)

Police Bust Rumours of Terror Presence at Jammu Mall

Jammu, April 1 (NV): Police Jammu on Wednesday refuted reports circulating on social media about the presence of three terrorists at Palm Island Mall, terming them “baseless and unfounded.”

Police officials said that teams were immediately rushed to the spot following the rumours, but no suspicious activity or presence was found during thorough verification.

Advising the public to remain calm, the police urged people not to pay heed to unverified information on social media platforms, warning that such rumours create unnecessary panic.

The police also appealed to media outlets to act responsibly and refrain from publishing unconfirmed reports.

“Strict legal action will be taken against social media accounts and portals involved in spreading misinformation,” the officer added.(NVI)

J&K Govt to Begin Phased Regularisation of Daily Wagers This Fiscal: Omar Abdullah

J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Assembly

Jammu, Apr 01 (NVI) : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to the phased regularisation of daily wagers, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informing the Legislative Assembly that the process will begin during the financial year.

Responding to a private member’s bill moved by CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, the Chief Minister said the government does not oppose the intent behind the legislation but raised concerns over its timing. He noted that the administration had already made a formal commitment on the issue recently and stood by it.

Abdullah said raising the matter immediately after the announcement appeared premature, adding that the government recognises the concerns of workers who have served for years and considers their regularisation a priority. He also informed the House that the matter is under examination by a committee and its report should be awaited.

Following the assurance, Tarigami withdrew his bill.

Meanwhile, another private member’s bill on the same subject moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para was rejected by the House through a voice vote.(NVI)

Amarnath Yatra 2026 preparations reviewed; Div Com calls for seamless arrangements

Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026 and directed departments to ensure timely completion of infrastructure, safety and logistical arrangements for a smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.

Chairing a high-level meetings of senior officials including deputy commissioners of multiple districts and officials from key departments, Garg assessed the status of ongoing and proposed works under revenue and capital expenditure heads.

He reviewed progress on works being executed by BEACON, including snow clearance, track repairs and widening along the Pahalgam route.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to expedite macadamisation of roads around base camps, develop parking facilities and pony stands, and restore helipads ahead of the Yatra.

Emphasising safety and quality, Garg said tentage facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes must be set up only in secure, non-vulnerable locations with proper standards and aesthetics.

He asked the Anantnag deputy commissioner to assess flood-prone areas, coordinate resource pooling and ensure safe placement of camps, along with regulated movement of pilgrims.

Reviewing arrangements at base camps, Garg stressed adequate fire safety measures, including fire gaps between tents and deployment of fire tenders and personnel. He also called for robust sanitation and cleanliness along the routes.

He directed that registration of pilgrims and service providers be completed well in advance, and reviewed healthcare facilities, calling for increased deployment of ambulances.

Instructions were also issued for accommodation of security personnel, transport arrangements through RTC buses, installation of public address systems and signage, and timely dissemination of weather updates.

Telecom service providers were asked to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across routes and camps to support communication and RFID-based tracking systems, officials said.(NVI)

Tulip Garden Attracts 1.78 Lakh Visitors in 15 Days; Final Count Likely Higher

Srinagar, Apr 01 (NVI): The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has recorded a footfall of 1,77,869 visitors within the first 15 days of its opening, with authorities stating that the final number is expected to increase once online ticketing data is incorporated.

Officials informed News Vibes of India (NVI) that the current figures are based solely on offline ticket sales, while data from online bookings will be compiled after the garden concludes its season.

“The footfall recorded so far stands at 1,77,869, excluding online ticketing. The final tally will be higher once complete data is available,” officials said.

They added that visitors include locals, domestic tourists, and foreign nationals, though a detailed category-wise breakdown is not available at this stage.

Authorities also noted a consistent rise in visitor turnout and anticipate a further surge as the tulip bloom reaches its peak in the coming days.

Situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake, Asia’s largest Tulip Garden showcases around 70–75 varieties of tulips this season and remains a key attraction during the spring tourism period in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

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