Azad Kashmir Sets Sights on 8,000 MW Hydropower Potential

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is ramping up efforts to harness its vast hydropower potential of approximately 8,000 megawatts (MW). Several key projects are advancing to meet the region's energy needs and support local development. Khawaja Masood Qadir, Managing Director of the AJK Power Development Organisation (PDO), made this announcement during a media interaction on Tuesday, just hours before the commissioning of the 3.22 MW Chham Fall Hydel Project in the Jhelum Valley district.

Chham Fall Hydel Project

The Chham Waterfall, located 62 kilometers southeast of Muzaffarabad near the Line of Control, is both a scenic tourist attraction and the site of a significant energy initiative. Qadir shared that the feasibility study and PC-1 for the Chham Fall Hydel Project were prepared in 2019 and 2020, respectively, but work on the project was delayed until August 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised PC-1, worth Rs933.7 million, was approved in February 2024. This project is expected to generate an average of 15.7 million units of electricity annually, benefiting local communities and 56 surrounding villages.

Nardajjian Hydropower Project

Qadir revealed that another 3.22 MW hydropower project, located downstream from Chham Fall and named after Nardajjian village, is nearing completion. Civil works are almost finished, and machinery has already been delivered to the site. With an additional Rs200 million in funds by the third and fourth quarters of this fiscal year, the Nardajjian project is expected to be commissioned by June.

Kappa Bannamolah Powerhouse

Additionally, the Kappa Bannamolah Powerhouse in Leepa Valley, originally planned at 2 MW, has been extended to 4 MW, with machinery installation expected to be completed by June. Qadir highlighted that the Jhelum Valley district currently generates 13.1 MW of hydropower, slightly below the 15 MW demand, making it self-sufficient in electricity during the summer months. However, the reduced water flow in winter necessitates reliance on WAPDA’s electricity, a challenge the AJK government is working to address through strategic planning.

Jagran-II Hydropower Project

Qadir also discussed the revival of the delayed 48 MW Jagran-II Hydropower Project in Neelum Valley, which had been stalled for seven years. Due to efforts by Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, contractors have been remobilized, and the project is expected to be completed within six months. This addition would bring 57 MW of power to the system, marking a significant achievement for the region's energy sector, exceeding what has been accomplished in the past two decades.

Key Highlights

• Hydropower Potential: AJK aims to harness approximately 8,000 MW of hydropower.

• Chham Fall Project: Expected to generate 15.7 million units of electricity annually.

• Nardajjian Project: Nearing completion, with commissioning expected by June.

• Kappa Bannamolah Powerhouse: Expanded from 2 MW to 4 MW, with completion expected by June.

• Jagran-II Project: Revived and expected to add 57 MW within six months.