The fact that J&K spent a staggering Rs 55,254 crore over the past ten years buying electricity from companies outside shows how ineffectively the UT has performed in terms of its ability to generate electricity over time. The huge spending on electricity purchases by J&K also illustrates the lack of policymaking in terms of utilising the enormous potential that the UT offers and the ability to completely alter the situation, which is currently putting a strain on the exchequer. In terms of mapping the grid based on using J&K’s natural resources, not much has actually been done on the ground, despite several reforms in the power sector yet to produce noticeable results.
There is a need to change the status quo, get moving, and work to better and more effectively utilise J&K’s natural resources—at the very least, to make the UT self-reliant in electricity generation, since it has what others need and it would be better to use the same. To enhance its capacity for producing electricity, J&K should make use of its wealth of natural resources, including solar and hydropower. The government shouldn’t shy away from investing more in alternative energy sources. There is no other option than to utilise the hydropower potential, thus J&K must do everything in its power to make the most of it. This includes investing more in new hydropower plant construction as well as renovating and expanding current ones. The government needs to invest more in building new power plants, improving the efficiency of those that already exist, and raising output in order to fully utilise solar energy.
The government should consider investing in creating smart grids and energy storage systems to improve efficiency and decrease waste in the existing infrastructure. It is true that J&K does not have enough power plants to meet the electricity demand, necessitating imports, and that there is a complete reliance on non-renewable energy sources, which are more expensive, draining and straining the exchequer: the same demands action. There is more that could be done, but there is a need to demonstrate the will and determination for making a change. Making J&K self-sufficient in power generation requires bold and efficient decision-making. It can’t be put off, not anymore.
