CM Omar Abdullah Stresses Power Sector Reforms on 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the urgent need to reduce power losses and tap into Jammu & Kashmir’s vast hydropower potential to strengthen the Union Territory’s economy.
Speaking at the 58th Engineers’ Day function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), held in honour of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the Chief Minister said that electricity generation coupled with efficient distribution is the foundation of economic growth in J&K.
The event was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, All India Power Engineers’ Federation President Shailendra Kumar Dubey, JKEEGA President Pirzada Hidayatullah, JKEEGA General Secretary Sachin Tickoo, Managing Directors of Kashmir Power Distribution and J&K Power Transmission Corporation Limited, besides senior engineers of the region.
Calling the power sector the backbone of J&K’s economic future, Omar Abdullah noted, “This is the only way to transform our financial situation. We must generate electricity and sell it to other regions, especially when their supply is low. But first, we have to cut down our losses.”
He acknowledged the challenges in balancing hydropower with emerging renewable sources. “Hydropower projects involve high initial costs, though per-unit cost falls over time. With solar available at just Rs 2 to 2.5 per unit, competition is tough. Still, hydropower is our only dependable resource, and we must pursue it while enhancing efficiency,” he added.
On tariff rationalisation, the Chief Minister said it must reflect people’s paying capacity, ensuring that the affluent contribute more while the weaker sections are protected. He assured engineers that their issues would be addressed, expressing hope that by next Engineers’ Day, “there should be no need to repeat the same demands.”
Explaining his decision to personally retain the Power portfolio, Omar Abdullah remarked, “If we truly want to make J&K prosperous, the Power Development Department is the most crucial. I urge you to keep working on reducing losses and improving efficiency.”
He praised landmark projects like Baglihar, which reshaped J&K’s power landscape despite challenges such as lack of counter guarantees.
Dispelling rumours of privatisation, the Chief Minister asserted, “We are not considering privatisation. If we succeed in cutting losses, improving billing, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform J&K’s power sector.”
