A meeting on preparing a road map for the development of power sector in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh was convened by Principal Secretary Industry, Govt. of India, Alok Kumar on January 17 at Hotel Grand Dragon, Leh.

The meeting aims to discuss the way forward for setting up an organisational model and institutional mechanism for Power Development Department in UTs of Ladakh and J&K. 

Different organisations including Power Development Department, Ladakh, Central Electricity Authority and Power Grid gave comprehensive presentations on power scenario in both the UTs. Various technicalities and challenges being faced due to the gap between demand and availability of power were highlighted.

Discussion on Power scope, possibilities for improvement of existing system and potentials to explore alternative means such as solar energy were carried out.

Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary asked Central Electricity Authority to gauge full requirement of power, gaps, shortages, proposed projects and plans targeted by 2026-27 being put forth from concerned authorities.

He said that the aim is to ensure 24x7 power supplies to every household in Ladakh and J&K. Central Electricity Authority was asked to consider electrification of the critical remote pockets and implementation of sanctioned schemes with identified work that could not be executed earlier due to lack of fund in parallel with the existing projects. Also, he asked them to consider the power need of Ladakh and J&K specifically during winters when power generation drastically comes down and resolve the bottleneck of connecting 15 km circuit from Zinakote to Alusteng at the earliest.

He instructed Power Grid to establish Load Dispatch Centre along with Transmission System Operator in Ladakh to ensure proper energy accounting. He further urged the power departments to consider tariffs, costing, commercial parameters, proper metering system and to take up the sanctioned schemes in full swing for timely completion. 

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/Secretary Power, Ladakh put forth the requirement of an alternate transmission line for Ladakh and deployment of manpower with new structural set up of PDD. He also raised other transmissions, power supply and solar energy-related issues for due consideration. 

R. Lakshmanan, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd; Bashir Ahmad Dar, Secretary Technology JKPDD; Advisor Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, senior officers from Central Electricity Authority(CEA), Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd.(SECI), Power Grid Corporation Of India Limited (PGCIL), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), SECI, Chief Engineer Power Development Department(PDD) Ladakh, concern engineers and other stakeholders from power sector were present.