Power shortage hits 30 MW, call to revive J&K’s First Hydropower Project grows

Srinagar, Feb 05: The call to revive the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project, the first hydropower initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, is intensifying as local leaders and residents push for its completion to address the region’s ongoing power shortages.
Conceived in 1905 by the then Maharaja, the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project was designed as a 9 MW capacity plant to tap into the Valley’s vast hydropower potential. Located on the banks of the Jhelum River in the Uri area of Baramulla district, the project was envisioned as a key solution to the long-standing power deficits in Kashmir. However, after decades of delays, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project was finalized only last year—only to be reportedly shelved later. At its time, the Mohra project was the second largest hydropower plant in Asia.
Locals in Uri say that the catastrophic floods of 1992 severely damaged the project, leaving it in ruins. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Sajad Shafi, MLA Uri, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. “This project could have alleviated many of our region’s power issues. After the DPR was finalised, it was inexplicably put on hold, which makes no sense. The Valley’s power demands are only increasing, and the Mohra project has the potential to meet a significant portion of these needs,” Shafi said. He also mentioned that the DPR, worth Rs 133.50 crore, had been prepared for the project’s revival.
Shafi emphasised that he would soon approach Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who oversees the power portfolio, to discuss the project’s revival. “This is not just a power project, but a critical asset that must be revived at any cost,” he added.
The power situation in Kashmir is dire, with local generation capacity barely exceeding 30 MW, while the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) imports 1,750 MW to meet the Valley’s power needs.
Local residents in Uri are growing increasingly vocal about the project’s potential. Tanvir Ahmed, a resident of Uri, stressed the urgent need for action. “We’ve been facing power shortages for years. The government has already invested time and money into this project, but it has yet to be completed. If revived, Mohra could not only solve our local power crisis but also create jobs for the youth, offering much-needed relief. It’s high time the authorities act,” Ahmed said.
Adil Rashid, another local, echoed these concerns, urging the government to prioritize the project’s completion. “We see so much potential in this project. With the ever-increasing demand for power, we are forced to rely on imports. If Mohra is revived, it could reduce our dependency and ensure a more sustainable power supply for the entire Valley,” Rashid stated.
The Mohra project, with its 9 MW capacity back in 1905, holds great promise. If revived, it could potentially generate up to 9,000 MW of hydroelectric power. As calls for its revival grow louder, local leaders and residents are pressing the government to take immediate action. “In 2023, engineers from KPDCL visited the site and confirmed its huge potential for hydro power generation if revived,” said Farooq Ahmed, a local resident. He also pointed out that while the Rs 133.50 crore DPR had been prepared and some initial work was done in 2024, everything was soon abandoned. “We urge the government to make this project functional as soon as possible,” Ahmed added.