Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today asked the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKDPDC) to focus on augmentation of power generation capacity so that J&K becomes self-reliant in energy sector.The Deputy Chief Minister said this while addressing 5th Meeting of Management and Finance Sub-Committee of JKSPDC here today. Minister of State for Power Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi was also present.Commissioner/Secretary PDD Hirdesh Kumar, Secretary Planning Saleem Sheshgar, MD JKPDC, Shah Faesal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.Deputy Chief Ministerdirected the officers to come up with a comprehensive framework of augmenting generation capacity so that the mounting energy demand is met locally. He asked the officers to synergize their efforts to make JK self-sufficient in terms of electricity generation and transmission.Dr Nirmal Singh said the nature has bestowed Jammu & Kashmir with abundant water resources and with optimal harnessing of these resources JK can become a pioneer in the country in the field of hydropower generation. He said to improve power scenario a multi-pronged approach needs to be followed which should not only involve augmenting generation but focus also needs to be laid on reducing transmission and distribution losses.
Referring to the initiatives undertaken in the power sector, the Deputy Chief Minister said the officers should ensure timely completion of various programmes in this key sector. He said a special component has been provided under Prime Minister’s Development Package for ensuring that the power sector gets requisite flip and thrust.While directing officers toensure that the work on ongoing power projects is expedited, Dr Singh said it will ensure that the capability and capacity of the State to generate power gets the requisite boost and makes us self-sufficient. He said a major component of the State’s plan is being spent on the purchase of power from various agencies and by making JKself-sufficientthese funds can be channelized for other developmental initiatives.The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the need for fast-tracking of the upcoming power projects and called for harnessing the vast hydro power potential of the State.
He said the solar energy is another sector which needs proper development in the state and the government would also ensure that solar power projects are set up in those areas in which feasibility of other sources of power is unavailable. He also called for working out a comprehensive strategy to improve power scenario in the state and directed the concerned to ensure that generation as well revenue meet the set targets.