“North India is witnessing a major power boom under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with the emergence of Kishtwar district of J&K as a major power hub”, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today. 

Dr Jitendra Singh today visited Seva II hydropower project near Bani in Jammu and Kashmir which is  located on Himachal Pradesh-J&K border. The 120 MW power project caters to J&K and all the neighbouring North Indian States. The Union Minister reviewed the status of hydropower projects with NHPC Director (Finance) Shri R.P Goyal and other officials. 

The Minister was given a detailed presentation on the progress of various hydroelectric power and development projects in the area. Dr Jitendra Singh said that for the first time, natural resources like hydropower of Jammu and Kashmir are being exploited under the Modi government so that surplus power from this region can be supplied to other parts of North India.

Dr Jitendra Singh also discussed upcoming CSR activities for neighbouring Bani and Basohli of Kathua district.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar is all set to emerge North India’s major "power hub" generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects.

During his address and later speaking to the media, Dr Jitendra Singh said that 6 to 7 major Hydro power projects have come in the region in a short span of 9 to 10 years ever since Shri Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister.

Elaborating on this, he pointed out that the largest capacity project is Pakal Dul with a capacity of 1000 MW.  Its estimated cost, as of now, is Rs.8,112.12 crore and expected timeline of competition is 2025.  Another major project is Kiru Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW.  The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 4,285.59 crore and the timeline in this case is also 2025, he said. 

The Minister further informed that at the same time, 850 MW Ratle project has been revived as a joint venture between the Centre and UT of J&K.  In addition, the existing Dulhasti power station has an installed capacity of 390 MW, while Dulhasti II Hydroelectric project will have a capacity of 260 MW. 

Dr Jitendra Singh said these projects shall not only augment the power supply position thereby making up for the shortage of power supply in the UT of J&K, but the huge investment being made for construction of these projects  is also a direct boost for the local people.   

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SNC/PK/PM