India is permitted to build hydroelectric projects on the western rivers but they must be “run-of-the-river” projects.“As a fallout of Indus Water Treaty barriers, J&K pays a heavy price in peak winter months when power generation hits low, creating hardships for its people,” Omar said.In winter months, the Valley faces lengthy power cuts. Even at this time, many areas of Kashmir are facing unscheduled and lengthy power cuts. Omar said to address this (power generation) issue, J&K would require special compensation from the Government of India, including viability gap funding and equity assistance, to harness its untapped hydro-energy potential. “The support would not only help in meeting the region’s energy needs but also contribute to national clean energy goals.”He also sought the Centre’s intervention in holding Central Public Sector Undertakings like PESL and National Thermal Power Corporation accountable in fast-tracking loss reduction works under the premier Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme in J&K.He requested the Power Ministry to consider gap funding for the implementation of electric infra works under RDSS.Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal, chaired the conference. Union Minister of State for Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present at the Conference which was attended by Power Ministers and senior Government functionaries from all over the country.
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