J&K faces 900MW power shortfall as silt flushing shuts key hydel projects

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir is grappling with significant power shortages and unscheduled outages after two major hydroelectric projects on the Chenab river were shut down for mandatory silt-flushing operations. The 450MW Baglihar stage I, located in Ramban district, has remained non-operational for over a week, with accumulated silt at its gates delaying restoration work.

Officials from the power department said desilting work at Baglihar stages I and II and the Salal project commenced on August 18. While Baglihar stage II resumed generation on August 22, stage I is yet to restart. The Salal project is expected to resume operations on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The prolonged shutdown of these key facilities has widened the region's power deficit. Jammu & Kashmir's peak electricity demand stands at approximately 2,500MW during summer and around 3,000MW in winter. With both Baglihar units largely unavailable for most of the past week, the Union Territory faced a shortfall of nearly 900MW.

Baglihar stages I and II are among Jammu & Kashmir's most important power sources, contributing substantially to the region's grid. The Chenab river projects are designed to handle seasonal silt, but heavy monsoon flows this year have led to increased sediment accumulation, necessitating the flushing procedure. Silt flushing requires shutting down turbines to allow water to clear sediment from reservoirs and gates, a standard operational requirement for Himalayan river projects.

The disruption has forced the power department to explore alternative arrangements to bridge the supply gap. Officials said efforts are underway to procure additional power from the northern grid and optimise load management. However, unscheduled outages have been reported across several districts, affecting households and commercial establishments.

The crisis comes amid growing public criticism of the Omar Abdullah-led administration over rising electricity tariffs. From September 1, power consumers in Jammu & Kashmir will face a 6.83% tariff hike, a move that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and consumer groups. Critics argue that the increase places an undue burden on residents, especially in rural areas where power supply remains erratic.

Earlier this year, the government had announced plans to undertake extensive maintenance of the region's power infrastructure ahead of the winter season, when demand peaks. Officials had assured that steps would be taken to minimise outages, but the recent silt-related shutdowns have highlighted the vulnerability of the hydro-dependent system.

Energy experts note that while silt flushing is unavoidable, better coordination and forecasting could reduce the impact on supply. They point to the need for investment in alternative power sources and improved transmission capacity to make J&K less reliant on a few large hydro projects. The current shortfall also underscores the urgency of completing planned thermal and solar projects, though these have faced delays due to land acquisition and environmental clearances.

Meanwhile, the power department has issued advisories urging consumers to use electricity judiciously. Officials expect supply to stabilise once the Salal project comes online and Baglihar stage I resumes generation, likely within the next few days. Until then, residents are likely to experience continued interruptions.

The situation also brings into focus the broader challenges facing J&K's energy sector, including ageing infrastructure, line losses, and the high cost of purchasing power from outside the region. As the administration works to restore normalcy, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between operational needs and consumer expectations.