J&K has 20,000 MW hydropower potential, only 3500 MW tapped in 70 years: Union Minister

Srinagar, Aug 02: Union Minister Nityanand Rai informed Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that out of 20,000 MW hydropower potential, J&K had been able to tap only 3,500 MW in 70 years while in last few years alone, projects for about 3,000 MW capacity revived, put on track.

In a written reply,  he also said that an MoU was also executed between NHPC and JKPDC on 3rd January 2021 in respect of Execution of Kirthai-II 930 MW Hydro Electric Project (HEP) through the Joint Venture Company CVPPPL, Execution of Stage II of Uri-I 240 MW HEP, Dulhasti Stage-II 258 MW HEP and 1,856 MW Sawalakot HEP by NHPC on BOOT basis

He said that the important HEPs are including Kiru – 624 MW with cost of 4,287.59 crores and 19.05% physical progress, Kwar – 540 MW with 4,526.12 and physical progress 5.89%, Ratle – 850 MW with 5,281.94 and 8.64% physical progress and Pakaldul – 1000 MW with 8,112.12 with 35.58% physical progress.

“Successful completion of 100% electrification under the SAUBHAGYA scheme, ensuring “last mile connectivity” and universal household electrification. Launch of the Smart BS application empowers consumers by providing them with easy access to their consumption and billing records,” the minster said.

In an another question, he said that the Government of India has notified a New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 19.02.2021 with an outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore to boost industrial development.

Various policy initiatives have been taken by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the policies including J&K Industrial Policy 2021-30, J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30, J&K Private Industrial Estate Development Policy 2021-30 and J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts and Handloom Policy 2020 are notified for making the UT an investor friendly destination.

He said that these initiatives have led to receipt of investment proposals worth Rs. 80,000 crore with employment generation potential of more than 3.5 lakh. “During 2022-23, an investment of Rs.2,153 Crore has been materialized providing employment to more than 11,000 persons. This has boosted the local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment,” he said.

The year-wise details of the investments are including 2019-20, 296.64 crore, 2020-21 412.74, 2021-22 376.76, 2022-23 2153.00.

“The G.I registration of products has been started to authenticate Handicrafts & Handloom Products. 08 crafts viz. carpet, Pashmina, Sozni Embroidery, Khatamband, Walnut Wood Carving, Paper Mache, Kani Shawl, Basohli painting have been G.I Tagged. 9,235 carpets and 20,126 Pashmina Shawls respectively have been GI Tagged. Common Facilitation Centers (CFCs) are being set up at Samba and Kathua at an estimated cost of Rs. 8.76 crore for promotion and development of bamboo craft,” he said.