‘Gurez Shines as Tourist Hub’
SUHAIL KHAN
Jammu, March 5; In a significant announcement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing 200 units of free electricity to consumers while outlining an ambitious plan to achieve energy self-sufficiency within the next two years.
Speaking in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, Abdullah as per Kashmir Despatch emphasized the state’s focus on harnessing hydroelectric power and diversifying energy resources to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply.
Abdullah, who also oversees the Power Portfolio, detailed the government’s efforts to boost power generation through strategic partnerships and large-scale projects. He highlighted the collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), which has led to the formation of joint ventures like Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) and Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL). These ventures are spearheading several major hydroelectric projects across the region.
Among the key projects underway are the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul, 624 MW Kiru, 540 MW Kwar, and 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric plants, all situated on the Chenab River in Kishtwar.
Abdullah revealed that these projects, with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW, are expected to be operational by 2027. Additionally, two smaller projects—the 37.5 MW Parnai and 12 MW Karnah hydroelectric plants—are being developed in Rajouri and Kupwara districts, respectively.
Looking ahead, the government has outlined plans to launch seven more projects, including the 390 MW Kirthai-I, 258 MW Dulhasti-II, and 930 MW Kirthai-II, which will further bolster the region’s power generation capacity.
Abdullah noted that while hydroelectric power remains a cornerstone of the state’s energy strategy, the seasonal variability in generation during winter months necessitates a diversified approach. “To achieve true self-reliance, we must integrate thermal and nuclear power into our energy mix,” he stated.
In line with global climate commitments, the government is also prioritizing renewable energy sources. Abdullah informed the assembly that Jammu and Kashmir is actively consulting with the Government of India to develop a comprehensive Resource Adequacy Plan, extending until 2035, to ensure long-term energy sustainability.
Responding to queries from National Conference MLA Shamima Firdous, Abdullah confirmed the government’s commitment to providing 200 units of free electricity to consumers. He assured that detailed steps to implement this initiative would be outlined during the upcoming budget discussions.
Responding to a question by member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the Chief Minister informed the House that Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir has recently been in the spotlight as a tourist destination.
“In 2022, Gurez Valley received the ‘Best Offbeat Destination’ award, emphasizing its appeal as a unique and emerging tourist spot,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Tourism Minister, further stated that in September 2023, Dawar village in Gurez was honored with the ‘Best Tourism Village’ award in the Gold category by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
“This accolade highlights the village’s cultural richness and tourism potential,” he informed the Legislative Assembly.
To promote Gurez as a new tourist destination, he added, the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, has taken several initiatives, and in 2024, commercial rafting was started in Gurez for the first time ever.
Besides, during the current financial year, the Department of Tourism, J&K, has projected the upgradation of Gurez as an offbeat destination under the current year Capex Budget (2024-25), the Chief Minister stated in his reply.
