AJK to get new hydropower projects

Islamabad: Azad Jammu Kashmir to invest in highly profitable projects of hydro-power generation, as AJK has the potential of over 15,000 megawatt hydro power generation capacity.

The feasibility and PC1s of different projects of over 5594 megawatt hydro power generation are pending in AJK and if launched these will help end power crisis in Pakistan and reinvigorate industry and agriculture

At present, Pakistan is facing a shortfall of about 4000 megawatt electricity, which has badly affected the industrial and agriculture sectors and damaged the economy.

According to souces, Azad Kashmir is completely safe and secure for investors, as the law and order situation and public approach is conducive for investment.

The business community of Pakistan has shown keen interest in investment in AJK and it will open new vistas of industrialisation and agricultural development not only in AJK but in Pakistan as well.

According to Government, the potential of 5594MW was pointed out by survey, which includes 2468 MW in Muzaffarabad, 1369 MW in Mirpur, 231 MW in Poonch, 645.4 MW in Kotli, 338.85 MW in Bagh and 541 MW in Neelum districts of AJK. At present AJK is generating just 37.65 megawatt electricity by six smaller projects, though it needs 400 MW.

Work on eight smaller hydro power generation projects is in progress that includes 3 megawatt Sharda, 3.2 megawatt Sharian, 1.7 megawatt Dhanan, 4.8 megawatt Batter, 0.6 megawatt Hallan, 0.6 megawatt Rangarr, 0.32 megawatt Halmatt and 3 megawatt Qadirabad power projects.

The feasibility study of four projects of 63.80 MW hydropower generation has been completed and will be kicked off soon. These projects include 43.5 MW Kuttan Jagran-II, 14.4 MW Jheng, 3.2 MW Rerra and 3 MW Hajeera.

A three-member ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Chaudhry Lateef Akbar will submit report on delay in various power generation projects.

Also, the road infrastructure has improved in AJK and the distance of different major cities of AJK with Islamabad is just 1.30 hours to 2.5 hours.

AJK government has signed an agreement for development of three international cities in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawlakot with $353 million. Under this plan modern city development projects were launched in Muzaffarabad and other two cities.