NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 21(NVI): A prolonged dry spell in Kashmir has drastically reduced local hydropower generation to less than 30 megawatts (MW), intensifying the Valley’s power crisis amid peak winter demand and biting cold.
Shahid Yousuf, an engineer at the Chenab Hydroelectric Plant, said: “In normal conditions, we rely on a steady flow from the rivers, but the current situation is far from normal. The water levels are at an all-time low and even when we release water for power generation, it’s nowhere near enough to meet the demand.”
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce President, Shafqat Hussain, expressed deep concern over the impact on local businesses: “Unreliable electricity is a huge burden on local businesses. It’s affecting everything, from small industries to the tourism sector. We depend on a consistent power supply for our day-to-day operations and the current shortages are hampering productivity and threatening livelihoods.”
Farmers are also facing significant challenges. Farooq Ahmad, a farmer from Baramulla: “Our crops are already suffering from the lack of water and now with power cuts, we can’t even use our water pumps effectively. This is a crisis for us and if it continues, we will lose the entire season’s yield.”
Dr. Faisal Mehmood, a climate expert at the University of Kashmir, attributed the crisis to broader environmental changes: “This year, the rainfall was much lower than usual and with the melting of glaciers slower than expected, we are left with very little water in the rivers. This is a clear consequence of climate change, and it’s impacting the hydropower sector more severely than we anticipated.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) is grappling with the situation. A senior official noted, “Hydropower production in J&K has taken a hit as prolonged dry spells have reduced water volumes needed for it.”
The current power demand in Kashmir ranges between 2,800 to 3,000 MW, far exceeding the diminished local generation capacity. ” Our local generation has dipped to just 30 MWs. We are solely dependent on outside supply which is draining the J&K exchequer,” he said.
Locals too are aghast over deteriorating power scenario stating that despite insulated cables and smart meters, power is nowhere in sight. ” We were promised round the clock power supply after smart meter installation. But that all was fake. We face lot of issues in absence of electricity which plays hide and seek,” said Shabir Ahmad, adding that power curtailment schedule is on papers only.
The administration is exploring alternative energy sources and strengthening the distribution network to mitigate the impact.
However, the immediate outlook remains challenging, with residents and businesses bracing for continued power shortages amid the harsh winter conditions. Pertinently, Srinagar recorded minus 8.5 degrees Celsius temperatures, first time in the past three decades, leaving behind a huge trail of challenges ahead (News Vibes of India)
