J&K CM Omar Abdullah (File photo) SRINAGAR: The J&K govt Friday said it has accelerated the pace of construction of ongoing hydel power projects across the union territory after the Centre placed Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.The total installed hydropower capacity in J&K is expected to reach around 11000 MW by 2035 from the current 3,540 MW, it said.“In the backdrop of the Indus Water Treaty being kept in abeyance, the pace of construction of ongoing projects has accelerated. Additionally, the process of identifying potential storage projects has also been expedited to maximise the utilisation of the remaining hydropower potential,” CM Omar Abdullah, who also holds the power portfolio, said in a written reply in the Assembly.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Blasts reported near Pakistan embassy in Tehran as Israel launches fresh wave of strikesUS-Iran war: India prepares to re-start LNG buys from Russia; seeks Trump admin waiver, says reportMiddle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnightIndia last year placed the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack as part of a series of measures announced by PM Narendra Modi, including the suspension of the decades-old water-sharing pact.The treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 for sharing of Indus river system waters. According to the treaty, India got the full rights for utilization of waters of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Satluj — while Pakistan got rights over the three western rivers, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The upper riparian region of the river system falls in India.The CM said J&K has an estimated hydropower potential of around 18,000 MW, of which 15,000 MW has been identified. “Of the identified potential, 3540.15 MW (24%) has been developed to date,” he said, adding that a comprehensive road map for the next decade has been drawn and is under implementation and the UT is on fast track to triple its installed hydropower capacity by 2035.PollWhat is your opinion on the estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW in J&K?It’s a significant opportunityIt’s overestimatedI have no opinion Omar said the draft J&K Hydel Policy 2025 has been framed based on learnings from the past and outcome of the previous policies.He said the new policy is expected to give a push to development of projects on small rivers and streams by bringing in private players into the hydropower power sector in a big way. “This will in turn uplift the socio-economic status of the local population and create job opportunities during construction and operation of these projects. Besides, under the new policy, the project developer is required to supply free power, royalty to J&K upon completion of a specified time after start of commercial operations of the project,” the CM said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Team India’: PM Modi Meets With CMs, Urges Covid-Like Coordination Amid West Asia CrisisPM Modi Congratulates Balendra Shah On Becoming Nepal PM, Eyes Stronger India-Nepal Ties‘Systemic Victimisation’: India Blasts Munir’s ‘Go To Iran’ Remark, Targets Pakistan On 1971 Denial’Pak Remains In Denial’: India Hits Out Over Op Searchlight Genocide, Backs Dhaka’s Justice Call‘Lockdown Rumours False’: Oil Minister; Centre Slashes Excise Duty On Fuel, Will It Help Consumers?BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Targets Rahul Gandhi, Says ‘Needs Tuition’ Over Economy Claims In ParliamentIndia Signs ₹445 Crore Tunguska Air Defence Deal To Boost Short-Range ProtectionWill Delimitation Change Impact Of Muslim Voters In Assam Election 2026? | Himanta Biswa SarmaIndia Moves To Secure Military Drones With New “Secure-By-Design” Framework“As if Hardeep Puri is giving money from his pocket…”: OPPN STRONG take on fuel excise move123PhotostoriesExclusive – The 50: Rajat Dalal opens up on fallout with Prince Narula, says he no longer calls him ‘brother’; reacts to link-up with Chahat PandeyAkshaye Khanna birthday special:‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Chhaava’, ‘Border’, a look at his best performances5 sacred flowers of Goddess Lakshmi you must grow at home to attract wealth and prosperityHow to make Soy and Mushroom Fried Rice for dinner at home5 famous modern-day princesses, from Sheikha Mahra to Kate MiddletonAlmost 50% of Indians have vitamin B12 deficiency: Top foods for vegetarians and non-vegetarians to boost energy and avoid long-term health risks5 off-road cars designed for extreme conditions5 island destinations to visit in summer, and why they shouldn’t be skipped5 beautiful relationship lessons to learn from Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas5 work habits secretly ruining your reputation – And how to fix them fast123Hot PicksStock Market TodayDonald TrumpIran Strike on IsraelUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingMiddle East CrisisBSEB 10th ResultPetrol Price TodayPoland Bent TreesUS Strike on IranFrance Underwater ShipwreckUS mortgage ratesUAE CycloneZojila PassPetrol Diesel Price
SRINAGAR: The J&K govt Friday said it has accelerated the pace of construction of ongoing hydel power projects across the union territory after the Centre placed Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.The total installed hydropower capacity in J&K is expected to reach around 11000 MW by 2035 from the current 3,540 MW, it said.“In the backdrop of the Indus Water Treaty being kept in abeyance, the pace of construction of ongoing projects has accelerated. Additionally, the process of identifying potential storage projects has also been expedited to maximise the utilisation of the remaining hydropower potential,” CM Omar Abdullah, who also holds the power portfolio, said in a written reply in the Assembly.India last year placed the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack as part of a series of measures announced by PM Narendra Modi, including the suspension of the decades-old water-sharing pact.The treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 for sharing of Indus river system waters. According to the treaty, India got the full rights for utilization of waters of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Satluj — while Pakistan got rights over the three western rivers, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The upper riparian region of the river system falls in India.The CM said J&K has an estimated hydropower potential of around 18,000 MW, of which 15,000 MW has been identified. “Of the identified potential, 3540.15 MW (24%) has been developed to date,” he said, adding that a comprehensive road map for the next decade has been drawn and is under implementation and the UT is on fast track to triple its installed hydropower capacity by 2035.
Poll
What is your opinion on the estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW in J&K?
Omar said the draft J&K Hydel Policy 2025 has been framed based on learnings from the past and outcome of the previous policies.He said the new policy is expected to give a push to development of projects on small rivers and streams by bringing in private players into the hydropower power sector in a big way. “This will in turn uplift the socio-economic status of the local population and create job opportunities during construction and operation of these projects. Besides, under the new policy, the project developer is required to supply free power, royalty to J&K upon completion of a specified time after start of commercial operations of the project,” the CM said.
