JAMMU: NHPC Limited is India’s premier hydropower company and a ‘Mini Ratna’ Category-I Enterprise of the Government of India. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is extremely important for NHPC and the country for point of view of its hydropower potential. NHPC has been associated with J&K for nearly four decades since it was first handed over 345 MW Salal-I Project for construction.
At present in J&K, NHPC has invested Rs 18,874 crore in 7 operating power stations having an aggregate installed capacity of 2,009 MW and 330 MW project under construction. Projects of 2,964 MW are under various stages of clearance including one 1,000 MW project that has received all clearances and about to commence construction.
The long association of NHPC with J&K has forged a strong relationship of goodwill between the local people of J&K and the corporation. NHPC is providing 12 per cent free power of its total generation from J&K State as well as water usage charges. On account of these, NHPC has paid J&K Government totaling about Rs. 6479 Crores. NHPC has generated employment opportunities directly and indirectly and has also undertaken several developmental initiatives under its Corporate Social Responsibility – Sustainable Development (CSR-SD) scheme.
NHPC has commissioned seven Hydroelectric Projects in J&K, thereby adding 2009 MW installed capacity to the state. These projects include Salal Stage-I and Stage-II (690 MW), Uri-I (480 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Sewa-II (120 MW), Uri-II (240MW), Chutak (44 MW) and Nimoo-Bazgo (45 MW). Further, Kishanganga (330 MW) Hydroelectric Project is in advance stage of construction. The Detailed Project Report for Bursar Hydroelectric Project (800MW) is under preparation. NHPC, JKSPDC and PTC have promoted a JV Company named “Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited” entered into a MoU for implementation of Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kawar Hydroelectric projects aggregating to installed capacity of about 2,164 MW in the State.
During the last 23 years the seven operational power stations of NHPC have provided 17,659 Million Units of Electricity equivalent to Rs 3,314 crore in value upto 2015-16.
NHPC Power Stations also contribute 1 per cent free power towards Local Area Development Fund. Since 2010-11, NHPC has contributed 68.49 MUs of free power having value of Rs 31.15 crore towards Local Area Development Fund. NHPC has made a total payment of Rs 3164.95 crore up to 30th September 2015 to J&K towards water usage charges. Noteworthy among these is Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan of Government of India, under which NHPC has constructed a total of 477 toilets across various Government Schools in the vicinity of its locations in J&K.