Hydropower control back on J&K Assembly agenda

Jammu, Feb 23: A crucial resolution seeking the transfer of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation-owned projects in Jammu & Kashmir to the Union Territory Government is set to be taken up in the J&K Assembly during the second leg of the budget session, beginning March 27.
The resolution, submitted by NC MLA Sajad Shaheen, will be listed in business of the House on April 2-one of the two days fixed for Private Member Resolutions.
The resolution is among the 14 resolutions selected through balloting for listing it in business of the House.
“This House resolves to recommend that the Government of India may be urged to consider, in consultation with the Union Territory Government and other stakeholders, a phased and mutually agreed transfer of operational control and/or ownership rights of the hydroelectric power projects presently operated by NHPC within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the UT Government, in accordance with constitutional provisions and existing inter-governmental arrangements,” reads the resolution.
The mild-worded resolution is expected to be the centre of attention during the second part of the budget session, given its significance for the economy and polity of J&K.
“I expect that all parties would support my resolution,” NC’s Sajad Shaheen told KNO.
In the past, J&K’s regional parties made the return of power projects a top priority in their manifestos but failed to achieve anything substantial. In their Agenda of Alliance, the PDP‑BJP coalition promised that the “State Government will work with the Union Government to explore modalities for transfer of Dulhasti and Uri hydro power projects to J&K as suggested by the Rangarajan Committee Report and the Round Table reports.”
The issue also featured in the manifesto of the National Conference for the 2024 Assembly polls, which states: “Impress upon the Union of India to implement the recommendations of the C. Rangarajan Committee report in letter and spirit. All other hydro power projects be transferred to Jammu and Kashmir as per agreement(sic).” (KNO)