Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) met Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh, in New Delhi on November 21 and discussed power sector-related issues in Ladakh.

L-G apprised the Minister of the need to import power in Ladakh in the winter months due to minimal power generation by the hydel power projects. He requested the Minister to direct Power Grid and Jammu & Kashmir Power Department to ensure power supply of up to 80 MW from the Northern Grid to UT Ladakh in the coming winter months.

He requested the minister for the early completion of the 220 KV Nubra and 220 KV Zanskar Transmission Line projects being constructed under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) Scheme 2015 and the separation of both transmission lines budget and execution-wise.

L-G apprised the Minister of Ladakh’s hydro potential of around 2400 MW but he informed that only 100 MW hydro power is being used. He informed about the preparation of several detailed project reports (DPRs) on the feasibility of hydro projects to ensure energy security through clean energy. He requested the Minister to provide necessary Central Finance Assistance for development and stated that surplus power generated from hydel projects could be sold.

He requested the Minister for the early completion of the 20 MW AC/50 MWp solar project being developed at Phyang-Taru area in Leh by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd due to the slow pace of the project being implemented by the company since 2022. He also requested the conversion of RAPDRP-B (Re-structured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme) loan into a grant. He further discussed ways to utilise the renewable energy potential in Ladakh.

Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy,Raj Kumar Singh assured to look into the matters raised by the L-G.