Minister for Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry Sajad Gani Lone Thursday said hydro-power sector has huge potential to raise the state’s economic status.Speaking after the inauguration of Energy Bhawan of Science and Technology here at Bemina, the Minister said, “Hydro-power sector has huge potential. If we can apply ourselves professionally we can easily supersede tourism sector. ”The Minister said that the agro-climatic conditions in J&K are so good that a lot could be gained from the sector. Our state has the potential to fulfill the energy demand and supply gap, he added.Terming micro-hydro-power projects as a good business, Mr. Lone said hydro projects are better business than the conventional ones and asked people to invest in it.Calling the Science & Technology Department as the game changer, the Minister said the department could help in building the capacities of people which in turn would help in creating entrepreneurs in energy sector from our state.
“I have a dream to see entrepreneurs in energy sector from our state down the line of 20 years. For this Science and Technology Department has to work hard,” the Minister said.Assuring all possible support in getting various clearances for different energy projects, the Minister said that we have a very dynamic Chief Minister who is more than willing to help us in every possible manner.The Energy Bhawan building constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5.36 crore has energy and water conservation techniques with the national green building concept incorporated in it. The building with three storied structure shall house the offices of Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), and the J&K State Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC).MLA Batamaloo Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Secretary, Science and Technology, Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Satesh Nehru, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA Shafat Sultan, and other officers from JAKEDA, and JJKSTIC were present during the inauguration.