SRINAGAR: A ruling National Conference (NC) MLA is set to introduce a Private Member’s Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday, seeking the phased return of NHPC-operated hydropower projects to the Union Territory government.
The move comes even as the administration has signed an agreement with NHPC to develop two new hydropower projects.
NC MLA Sajjad Shaheen is set to introduce a Private Member’s Bill in the Assembly, currently in session in Jammu, urging the Centre to consider a phased and mutually agreed transfer of operational control and/or ownership of existing NHPC-run hydropower projects in J&K to the Union Territory government, in line with constitutional provisions and existing laws.
Backing the demand, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh said J&K has a rightful claim over its water resources and should be able to generate its own revenue from power projects. He pointed out that despite electricity being generated in the region, the Union Territory has to purchase power at significant cost.
“These projects are ours. The electricity is generated here and then supplied to the country. But unfortunately J&K has to purchase the electricity and you will be surprised on seeing how much the government has to spend on its purchase,” the DyCM told reporters.
“If we are demanding that projects be returned to us, we are not demanding anything wrong. There is a right of J&K people on these projects. It is not the right of the government but of the people,” he said.
Even as the Deputy Chief Minister favours the return of power projects and an NC MLA has moved a bill seeking their return, the Jammu and Kashmir government has signed a deal with NHPC to develop two hydropower projects in the Union Territory.
NHPC Limited and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) signed the implementation agreement on March 27 in Jammu for the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II and 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II hydroelectric projects, which will together add 500 MW capacity. The projects will be developed by NHPC on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis for a period of 40 years.
The agreement was signed by JKSPDCL Managing Director Rahul Yadav and NHPC Executive Director Anish Gouraha, following approval by NHPC’s board on February 20, 2026.