IWT a settled issue, let’s seek power projects’ return from NHPC: Mehbooba to CM Omar

13 November 2024

Says Sheikh Abdullah, Dr Farooq handed over 8 power projects to NHPC

By: Jehangir Sofi

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday responded to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent comments on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), stating that reigniting debates that were ‘settled to some extent’ could exacerbate regional tensions and affect Jammu and Kashmir. She, however, suggested seeking return of two power projects from National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd.

The response comes in light of Omar Abdullah’s concerns about the treaty’s limitations on electricity generation in the region.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) spoke to reporters and highlighted the past decisions by Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership to transfer control of several critical power projects to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

She highlighted how those projects were handed over to the NHPC during the tenures of both Farooq Abdullah and his father Sheikh Abdullah. “Does the electricity we produce belong to us? Late Sheikh Sahib gave the Sallar project to NHPC. When Farooq Sahib became chief minister in 1996, he handed over 7 power projects to NHPC. It is not an easy thing to say,” Mufti said.

Recounting the Agenda of Alliance between BJP and PDP, she said that the focus should be on the Government of India to compensate J&K for its energy contributions, either by returning control of at least two power projects or by offering financial restitution.

She also highlighted the “irreversible losses” Jammu and Kashmir has endured over the years, noting the lack of sufficient power despite local production capabilities. “Jammu and Kashmir is the only place that, despite producing electricity, remains in darkness. Our electricity goes to the NHPC, and they then sell it back to us,” she stated.

Stating that if IWT is made an issue, Mufti said that aligning with this line of thought risks supporting BJP’s agenda, which would escalate local hardships while benefiting political narratives elsewhere and would further create friction between two countries.

She cited the recent TRC grenade incident, including the tragic death of a local woman. “By following this path, J&K alone will bear the consequences,” she said, noting that neighbouring regions like Punjab and Rajasthan remain unaffected by such moves.

Notably, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had on Tuesday highlighted the implications of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on river-rich Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar made these comments during the conference of power ministers of states and union territories in New Delhi, highlighting the limiting clauses in the Indus Water Treaty that restrict J&K from realizing its full hydel potential by only permitting run-of-the-river projects

“Hydel power is J&K’s only viable energy source. The region is compelled to rely on power imports from other states, which adversely impacts its economy. To address this, J&K would require special compensation from the Government of India, including viability gap funding and equity assistance, to harness its untapped hydro-energy potential,” CM Omar had said. —(KNO)