Baglihar, Salal shutdown leave J&K grappling with 1000 MW power deficit
Srinagar, Jul 19: Jammu and Kashmir is set to face a major power shortage over the next several days following the simultaneous shutdown of the Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric power projects, two of the principal sources of electricity during the peak summer season. The Jammu and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Sunday said the shutdowns are expected to result in a power deficit of around 1000 MW, compelling the utility to procure power from the electricity market and, if necessary, enforce unscheduled power curtailments.
In a public notice, KPDCL said flushing operations at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project (BHEP) will commence at 10:00 pm on July 19 and are expected to continue for four to five days. As part of the operation, the project’s power generation will be gradually reduced from 3 pm, with a complete shutdown scheduled by 7:30 pm on Sunday.
The corporation also noted that the Salal Hydroelectric Project has already been under a planned 10-day shutdown since July 18, resulting in both major hydroelectric stations on the Chenab River remaining simultaneously out of operation.
“During the summer months, a significant portion of power demand in the Valley is met through Baglihar HEP and Salal HEP. This will create a shortfall of approximately 1000 MW in the J&K,” KPDCL said.
To minimise the impact on consumers, the power utility said it is making efforts to bridge the deficit through short-term electricity purchases from the power exchange.
However, it cautioned that despite these measures, the remaining shortfall may necessitate forced power curtailments in various parts of J&K.
The shutdowns are part of scheduled reservoir flushing operations, an essential maintenance activity carried out to remove silt accumulated in the reservoirs.
The Chenab River carries a heavy sediment load, particularly during the monsoon months, leading to the gradual accumulation of silt in reservoirs.
Excessive sediment not only reduces the storage capacity of reservoirs but also affects the efficiency of turbines and other power generation equipment.
Periodic flushing helps restore reservoir capacity, improve water flow and enhance the long-term operational efficiency of hydroelectric projects.
Authorities have also issued advisories to residents living along the Chenab River, asking them to stay away from the riverbanks during the flushing operations. The opening of spillway gates is expected to cause a temporary rise in the river’s discharge and water level downstream, prompting district administrations to caution fishermen, tourists, livestock owners and local residents against venturing near the river until the exercise is completed.
The Baglihar Hydroelectric Project, located in Ramban district, has a total installed capacity of 900 MW across its two stages, making it one of Jammu and Kashmir’s largest hydroelectric stations.
The Salal Hydroelectric Project, situated in Reasi district and operated by NHPC, has an installed capacity of 690 MW.
Together, the two projects form a crucial component of J&K’s power supply, especially during the summer months when electricity demand rises sharply due to increased use of cooling appliances, irrigation pumps and commercial establishments.
Although J&K receives a substantial allocation of electricity from the Central Generating Stations and the national grid, locally generated hydropower remains critical for meeting peak demand and maintaining grid stability.
The temporary outage of both Baglihar and Salal is therefore expected to put considerable pressure on the region’s power distribution system.
Power officials said the maintenance exercise is necessary to ensure the long-term health and efficiency of the generating stations.
Once the flushing operations are completed and generation resumes, both projects are expected to operate more efficiently with improved reservoir conditions and reduced sediment-related wear on equipment.
Meanwhile, KPDCL has appealed to consumers across J&K to use electricity judiciously during the shutdown period and cooperate with the utility in managing the temporary supply constraints.
The corporation reiterated that every effort is being made to procure additional power to reduce inconvenience, but consumers should remain prepared for intermittent power curtailments until normal generation is restored at both hydroelectric projects.
