Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Mar 13 : The revival of the century-old Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project in Uri remains uncertain as the Jammu and Kashmir government awaits central financial assistance to make the project viable, the government said on Thursday.
In response to a query by MLA Dr Sajad Shafi, the minister incharge, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) stated that despite its priority status, the 10.50 MW project has not received the required funding from the Centre under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP-15).
The project, estimated at Rs 135.02 crore as per 2022 price levels, was one of the 33 small hydro projects sanctioned under the Small Hydro Development Programme. However, due to concerns over financial feasibility, its development has been stalled, he said.
He said that the government has repeatedly raised the issue in review meetings, seeking up to 60% central financial assistance, but no grants have been sanctioned so far.
He said that IIT Roorkee, after conducting a feasibility study through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has recommended Mohra project for central financial assistance based on its viability. “The proposal is currently under appraisal with the Centre.”
The minister also informed that the J&K administration is working on a new hydro policy to attract investment and encourage private participation in the sector. “It is also expected that the Centre’s upcoming national hydro policy may provide financial support for such stalled projects.”
“The government remains committed to developing small hydro projects at the same pace as large hydro plants, given their benefits for local communities,” he said.
The minister said that the final decision on the development model, whether through Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC), tariff-based methods, or Independent Power Producers (IPP), will be made once policies at the state and central levels are finalised—(KNO)
