JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, said that J&K has an estimated hydro power potential of 18,000 MegaWatt (MW), of which, 14867 MW has been identified. The Minister was replying on behalf of the Chief Minister to a question raised by Mubarak Gul.

The Minister informed the House that the identified potential comprises 11283 MW in Chenab basin, 3084 MW in Jhelum basin and 500 MW in Ravi basin. He said that out of the identified potential, 3540.15 MW (23.81%) has been harnessed till date including 1197.4 MW in UT sector (JKSPDC), 2250 MW in Central sector (NHPC) and 92.75 MW in IPP mode under 31 projects.

Regarding the Solar Power Projects, the Minister said that solar power plants with capacity of 41367 and 34300 have been installed in a total of 4648 government buildings and 5463 residential households respectively.

The Minister said that UT of J&K has an estimated solar potential of 111 GW, most of which is restricted to the UT of Ladakh. He added that the mega size solar power projects have not been developed in J&K till date as identification of feasible land banks (500 acres for 100 MW solar park) at a single location for its development is difficult because of the topography of the UT.

The Minister informed that, however, a cumulative capacity of 75 MW of Rooftop Solar Power Plants has been installed in the UT of J&K across all sectors under various schemes and projects mostly sponsored by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI.

 He added that, presently, the Rooftop Solar Power plants are being installed on residential households by DISCOMS under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna in which 1 kWp Rs 55,000 with subsidy of Rs 36,000, 2 kWp Rs 1,10,000 with subsidy of Rs 72,000 and 3 kWp Rs 1,59,500 with subsidy of Rs 94,800 have been finalized.

The Minister also informed that Purchase of electric/utility poles, HT/LT wires and transformers is being made through the Procurement wing. MY Tarigami, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Tanveer Sadiq, Shakti Raj Parihar and Mehraj Malik raised the supplementaries.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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