Need to address power deficits

As Jammu and Kashmir faces its annual lean season, the Union Territory is once again heavily reliant on imported electricity. With limited local power generation during this period, primarily due to reduced hydroelectric output, the region is currently procuring 40 to 50 percent of its electricity from the national power market. This seasonal dependence highlights a deeper challenge: the region’s energy infrastructure remains overly reliant on hydro sources, with minimal diversification. While market procurement is a necessary short-term measure, it comes at a significant financial cost, especially during high-demand periods when prices surge. This financial burden affects not just the government but ultimately the consumers, many of whom already suffer from inconsistent supply. Unscheduled power cuts, especially in rural areas, affect daily life, economic activity, and essential services. These recurring issues underline the urgent need for a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy. Jammu and Kashmir must begin investing in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass, sectors that remain largely untapped in the region. Additionally, modernizing transmission infrastructure, minimizing losses and promoting rooftop solar and community-based micro-grids could significantly reduce dependence on external supply. Introducing energy storage solutions like batteries and pumped hydro can also help manage seasonal fluctuations more effectively. The current crisis is not just a challenge but an opportunity to reset the region’s energy priorities. Ensuring energy security will not only improve quality of life but also boost industrial growth, employment, and regional equity. Jammu and Kashmir must move beyond short-term fixes and embrace a sustainable, self-reliant energy future, before the next lean season brings the same headlines again.