The Jammu and Kashmir Small Hydropower Association (JAKASH) has welcomed two major initiatives of the Union Government aimed at boosting renewable energy development and strengthening disaster preparedness in the Himalayan region, saying the measures could significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower sector.
JAKASH President and Federation of Indian Small & Micro Hydro Power Stations (FISH) Executive Member, Muddasir Mir Nazir, said the Union Cabinet’s approval of the ₹2,584.60-crore Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for 2026-31 is expected to accelerate investment and infrastructure development in the sector.
The scheme aims to add around 1,500 MW of small hydropower capacity across the country and provides Central Financial Assistance of up to ₹3.6 crore per MW for projects located in international border districts, making Jammu and Kashmir one of the key beneficiaries.
According to the Association, the initiative is expected to attract investments worth nearly ₹15,000 crore and generate substantial employment opportunities in remote and hilly regions.
Mudasir Nazir also welcomed the decision to expand Early Warning System coverage from 30 to 60 high-risk glacial lakes across the Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, under the supervision of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
He said the move would enhance preparedness against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose a growing threat to hydropower infrastructure and mountain communities.
Speaking on the twin initiatives, Nazir said the measures reflect a comprehensive approach towards sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
“While the Small Hydro Development Scheme creates new opportunities for investment, employment and energy security, the expanded early warning network will improve the safety and resilience of hydropower projects and local communities,” he said.
Nazir, who attended the launch of the SHP Scheme website at Akshay Urja Bhavan in New Delhi, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi for supporting the growth of the small hydropower sector.
He said the Association would continue to work with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), JAKEDA, NDMA and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the initiatives and harness the hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Association said the two decisions, taken together, have the potential to strengthen energy security, improve disaster resilience and create new economic opportunities in the Union Territory’s mountainous regions.
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