Srinagar, Dec. 15: Member Parliament ( Rajya Sabha) Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan asked the Central Government when it intends to return the hydroelectric power projects to Jammu & Kashmir after having collected huge revenues for decades and recovering the full cost and profits from these projects. He raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, seeking a clear commitment and timeline from the Centre on restoring ownership and control of J&K’s power resources.He also highlighted the long-pending Nichanhama–Rajwar lignite project in Handwara, which was initiated decades ago in 1989 but was abandoned due to onset of militancy and questioned whether the Government plans to revive this vital project to address the region’s energy and employment needs.
In its reply, the Ministry of Power avoided giving a direct answer on the return of hydroelectric projects, stating only that any transfer is governed by existing MoUs and agreements, without specifying whether costs and revenues have been fully recovered or whether any decision is under consideration. Regarding the Nichanhama lignite project, the Ministry informed that lignite extraction is currently being carried out at the site.
