Kishtwar, June 3: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh stated on Saturday that following the completion of the existing power projects, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar will become a significant “power hub” producing about 6,000 MW of electricity.
He said this while conducting a comprehensive meeting to examine the development of several hydroelectric power projects in the districts of Kishtwar and Doda. The minister was informed on the status of the projects by NHPC chairman Rajiv Vishnoi, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Devansh Yadav, and officials from the national and UT governments.
Notably, Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology, in addition to being the Union Minister of State (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, was due to attend two public rallies in Nagseni and Dachhan.
He did, however, cancel both rallies out of respect for the victims of the horrible railway disaster in Odisha and instead called this meeting. Dr. Jitendra later travelled to the isolated, far-flung, mountainous district of Dachhan.
During his visit, he was joined by former J&K minister Sunil Sharma, DDC members, local PRI representatives, BJP district president Chuni Lal, senior party officials Tariq Keen, Pradeep Parihar, Captain Hukum Chand, and a number of important sub-regional people.
“The surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be used for other parts of the UT, but it may also be used by other states,” Dr. Jitendra stated. This would undoubtedly establish the Kishtwar sub-region as a significant power centre in North India.” He bemoaned the fact that the abundant natural riches of Chenab had not been utilised by past administrations that controlled J&K for 60-65 years.
He also vowed that all unskilled positions would be reserved for locals, and that local talent would be prioritised in skilled labour needs.
Pakal Dul, with a capacity of 1000 MW, is the biggest project. Its current projected cost is Rs 8,112.12 Cr, with a competition timetable of 2025. Kiru Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 624 MW, is another big project. The project’s anticipated cost is Rs. 4,285.59 Cr, and the timetable is also 2025.
Kwar Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 624 MW, is another project situated around 43 km from Kishtwar. The anticipated cost of this project is Rs 4526.12 Cr, with a competition timetable of 54 months. Another hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 930 MW is located around 25 km upstream of the Kiru Hydroelectric project.
Simultaneously, the 850 MW Ratle project has been resurrected as a joint venture between the centre and the UT of J&K. Furthermore, the current Dulhasti power plant has a capacity of 390 MW, while the Dulhasti II Hydroelectric project will have a capacity of 260 MW.
“We have lost 65 years as a result of the myopic policies of successive central governments.” However, shortly after taking office in 2014, the Prime Minister promised that “every effort would be made to bring the North Eastern region, J&K, and other backward regions of the country on par with the more developed regions of the country,” he remembered.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi would always be credited for having introduced a new work culture in India, wherein each of the pro-poor and public welfare schemes were designed in such a way that they reached the most needy or the last man in the last queue, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or vote consideration,” Dr. Jitendra said. “Similarly, in light of the emerging scenario of contemporary India, PM Modi has consistently boosted StartUps that should be able to earn their own living,” he added.
According to Dr. Jitendra, groundbreaking initiatives such as the Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana, Jan Dhan, Ujjawala, Sauchalaya, PM Aawas, Har Ghar Jal, Har Ghar Bijli, and Ayushman touched every nook and cranny of the nation, even steep and challenging terrains such as Kishtwar. “People are getting the benefits of welfare schemes without any discrimination,” he continued, “unlike in the past, when appeasement policy was rampant.” The Minister stressed that these social measures have lifted millions of people out of abject poverty and given them a life of dignity.
He stated that areas with untapped potential, such as Kishtwar, the North-East, and other hilly regions, would play a pivotal role in India’s journey over the next 25 years, and that these regions, rather than the saturated states, would propel India as a frontline nation in the world when it celebrated its 100th year of independence in 2047.
