Senior Congress Leader and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil believes the state has not been able to utilize its water resources due to the lack of appropriate policies.
By Akhter H Bhat
Q: How electrified is the state Jammu and Kashmir?
A: Approximately 90% of the State is electrified. A considerable area which can be geographically described as ‘far flung or hilly area’ is still deprived of power facility and a lot needs to be done for their early electrification.
Q: Official data reveal a deficit of 933 MW’s in Kashmir. How do you think the government should fill this deficit?
A: As per 6th Power Survey, the demand is increasing at the rate of 6%. The department, as on date, is equipped to manage only 1.7 %. An alarming gap between demand and supply is being registered. A comprehensive policy for upgrading, stabilizing and maintaining the existing power infrastructure needs to be framed and implemented. The power generation potential of J&K should be in focus. The state must concentrate on constructing its own power projects under joint venture schemes to achieve the self sufficiency target.
Q: If the reports are to be believed, NPHC generates more than 50% of its total power from Kashmir and supplies it to other states of India. Knowing that Kashmir only needs around 933MW’s to fill the power deficit, why should the people of J&K face power crisis in such a situation?
A: The government has constituted a cabinet Sub Committee which is looking into the issue. It is also important to mention here that J&K is obtaining its energy from Central and State Projects. The central power companies have to keep in mind the demand at national level and also maintain equilibrium in power distribution in the whole country. Central Power Projects were constructed long back on some terms and conditions and it is the duty of the government to protect the interest of the state. Incase those terms and conditions are being violated remedial measures should be taken for protecting the interests of the state. Any failures in that regard can be attributed to the current government.
Q: Reports suggest that the state of J&K has the potential of generating about 30,000 MW’s of hydropower. What steps should the government of Kashmir take to utilize its water treasure?
A: There is no doubt in the fact that J&K has a huge potential for generating hydropower. But due to the lack of appropriate policies, the state has not been able to utilize its water resources. There is no doubt that we have capable and intelligent people in the state who can provide their valuable suggestions but corruption, nepotism and red tapism are major impediments in achieving goals of self sufficiency. It is relevant to mention here that it takes years for clearing and approving DPRs for minor works in J&K. The system is too slow. It just discourages us on the whole.
Q: Finally, do you think the Centre can play any role in solving the power crisis situation in Kashmir?
A: Government of India has always provided assistance to J&K in every sphere and undoubtedly, liberal funding from the Central government can play a pivotal role in bringing J&K out of this dark chapter.