MP Ch Ramzan urges Centre to set timeline for transferring NHPC hydropower projects to J&K
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Aatif Qayoom
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15 Dec 2025
Srinagar, Dec 15: Member of Parliament (MP), Rajya Sabha, Choudary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday urged the Centre to spell out a clear timeline for handing over NHPC run hydropower projects to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the valley must regain control over its natural resources to ensure economic stability and energy security.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Ramzan said NHPC has already recovered its investments and earned profits from hydropower projects in J&K. He asked the Ministry of Power whether any formal process is underway to transfer these assets back to the Union Territory.
In its written reply, the Ministry said NHPC currently operates six hydropower projects in J&K. These include Salal, Uri I, Dulhasti, Sewa II, Uri II and Kishanganga, with a combined installed capacity of 2,250 megawatts. However, the reply did not mention any timeline or concrete plan for their transfer.
The Ministry informed the House that two major joint venture projects are progressing. The 850 megawatt Ratle project has achieved 26 percent physical progress and is scheduled for commissioning by November 2028. The 1,000 megawatt Pakal Dul project is 75 percent complete and is expected to be commissioned by December 2026. Both projects are being developed jointly by NHPC and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation.
On the issue of transferring existing projects, the Ministry stated that any handover would be governed by provisions and conditions laid down in the respective memorandums of understanding and agreements with the Union Territory. It did not provide a roadmap, leaving the issue unresolved.
Ramzan also raised the long pending issue of the Nichhama Rajwar Handwara thermal power project, which was initiated in 1989 but abandoned due to insurgency. He asked whether the government plans to revive the project to address power shortages and support local industry.
The Ministry replied that it has no information on the abandoned thermal project. However, it said lignite exploration is currently being carried out in the Nichahom block of Kupwara by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, indicating the presence of lignite reserves in the area.
With rising energy demand and limited industrial growth, the possible revival of the Rajwar lignite project could offer an alternative source of power.
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