SRINAGAR, June 13:Jammu and Kashmir government has drawn up a road map for huge capacity addition programme of about 8000 MWs Hydro Power Generation in the next ten years through different ventures in the state.

A number of projects have already been taken up while bidding for award of contract has been either concluded or in process in other projects, officials said here today.

They said the construction work of Baglihar II, Uri II, Nimo Bazgo, Chutak and Kishan Ganga power projects having total capacity of 1959 MWs have already been taken up and implementation of 1000 MW Pakaldull, 93 MW new Ganderbal, 48 MW Lower Kalani, 37.5 MW Parnai power projects have commenced with bidding for award of contract either concluded or in process.

Officials said implementation of 1850 MW Sawlakote, 240 MW Kirthai-I, 990 MW Kirthai-II, 600 MW Kiru and 520 MW Kawar power projects have also been set in motion, in this regard the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparations and clearances is in progress.

With the proposed capacity addition, J&K is optimistic about achieving its dream and objective of being a net power exporter in future, he added.

They said that government also endeavours to exploit renewable energy in the state and has initiated setting up of 5 MW technology demonstration-cum-resource assessment Geothermal project at Pugah Leh for which bidding process has been completed.

Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmad Khan said for strengthening of intra-state transmission and distribution systems substantial achievements have been made through the flagship Prime Minister’s Re-construction Programme, under which construction and augmentation of Grid Stations, new Transmission Lines and thickening of conductor of existing lines are being carried out in the state.

He said the power infrastructures are also being upgraded under Centrally Sponsored Schemes like APDRP & RGGVY.

Saying that Hydro Power is a renewable, economic and eco-friendly source of energy, Mr Khan reiterated state government’s commitment to make the J&K self-reliant in electricity and to provide hydro energy to other states in near future.

He said government is attaching significant importance to the development of hydro power potential which can bring a turnaround in the state’s economy and power situation.