SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting to review the draft Jammu and Kashmir Hydropower Policy 2026, with discussions focusing on accelerating the development of the Union Territory’s significant hydropower potential.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the performance and outcomes of the existing policy and directed officials to ensure that the new framework addresses earlier challenges while creating a more effective mechanism for hydropower development.
The proposed policy is aimed at speeding up the harnessing of J&K’s hydropower resources, strengthening power generation and improving the overall energy sector. The government has previously highlighted J&K’s estimated hydropower potential of around 18,000 MW, with only a portion currently developed.
The draft framework is also expected to encourage development of smaller hydropower projects and greater private-sector participation, while supporting employment and local socio-economic development.
The J&K Energy Development Agency currently lists a J&K Hydro Power Policy 2025 (Draft) among its policy documents, indicating that the framework remains part of the ongoing policy-development process.
