Srinagar, Mar 28: The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty has accelerated the pace of hydropower development in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Union Territory set to witness a significant rise in installed capacity this year.
According to official figures presented by the J&K Government in the Legislative Assembly, the region’s total installed hydropower capacity currently stands at 3,540.15 MW. This is projected to increase to 5,164.15 MW by December 2026, marking a rise of nearly 46 percent.
The surge in capacity is expected with the commissioning of two major hydel projects — the 1,000 MW Pakaldul project and the 624 MW Kiru project. Officials said that both projects have achieved around 78 percent physical progress so far.
The government attributed the faster execution of these projects to policy shifts following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which has enabled quicker clearances and streamlined processes.
Experts believe the expansion in hydropower capacity will not only strengthen the region’s energy security but also reduce dependence on power imports, especially during peak winter months.
The development is also expected to boost economic activity by creating employment opportunities and improving infrastructure in remote areas where these projects are located.
Officials added that timely completion of ongoing projects remains a priority to fully harness the hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir. (Agency)
