From 250 MWs in Jan, production falls to 190 MWs in Feb
Srinagar, Feb 17: Owing to the less snowfall and low water level, in the past one month, the hydel power generation from the power plants across Jammu and Kashmir has further reduced by five percent.
Overall, the hydro power generation from the local plants in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by 84.17 percent.
In the month of January, the Power Development Department (PDD) was generating nearly 250 Megawatts of power from the local hydel projects that amounts to 20 percent of the total generation capacity. However, in the ongoing month, the power generation has further reduced by five percent.
A top official of the department said, “In the month of January, PDD on an average was generating nearly 250 MWs of power from the power plants across Jammu and Kashmir.”
“However, the power generation has further decreased with the officials saying that the department was able to generate only 190 MWs of power in the ongoing month,” the official said.
It also said that in the month of February, the department was facing less production. “As of now, we are generating around 190 MWs of power across Jammu and Kashmir out of a total generation capacity of 1200 MWs.”
The official further admitted that the department was not able to generate power as in previous years during the peak time. We are reeling under global warming and climate change.
“Over a period of time, we have not been able to generate the normal power that we used to generate in previous years because of less water availability. Water availability period is also shortening,” the official said.
It also said that the generation capacity cannot be measured in one day only. “The power generation varies. We reserve the water in the daytime to generate power during the peak hours. In the peak time, we are generating 50 MWs of power from the lower Jhelum and 5 MWs during the regular time. Besides, we are able to generate only 8 MW of power from the Kangan and 6 MWs from Sumbal power projects respectively,” the official said.
In Jammu and Kashmir we have a total of 1200 Megawatts (MWs) hydel power production capacity of which 900 MW is from the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project.
“Across Jammu and Kashmir, as far as snowfall occurrence and early winters are concerned, last year we were in the same situation with regard to the power generation in the month of February,” the official said. Adding, “This year we look forward to at least generating what we did last year. If the snow occurs now onwards there will be the added advantage of power generation.”
The official also said, “We have made some of the machines functional that were earlier defunct in the shut-down period. We are hoping that we get good outcome of it.”
2-day wet spell likely from today
Srinagar, Feb 17: Amidst the deficit rainfall, the weatherman here has predicted a two-day wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir from Tuesday.
Director Meteorological (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that amidst generally cloudy weather conditions, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places during 19th evening to 20th late afternoon. “The fresh Western Disturbance is all set to hit the Union Territory,” he added.
Dr Ahmad said that the plains of Kashmir & Jammu may receive light to moderate rain and thunder with gusty winds at few places, adding that the higher reaches of Chenab Valley & South Kashmir may receive moderate snowfall up to around 10 inches while the higher reaches of north & Central Kashmir may receive snowfall up to 8 inches.
Meanwhile, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said that a fresh Western Disturbance is set to develop over Afghanistan on February 19 and quickly move towards Jammu and Kashmir by February 20, bringing widespread rain and snow across the Union Territory.
“The first signs of the disturbance will be felt in the higher reaches from late night on February 19, with precipitation gradually intensifying as it spreads across the region. Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir are likely to witness a moderate spell of rain/snow, along with the possibility of a heavy spell in some parts,” he said.
“Overall, on average, Jammu region may record higher precipitation than Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Valley districts – Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda – are also expected to receive moderate to heavy precipitation. In Kashmir Valley plains, rains may dominate on that day, but a sharp drop in temperature could trigger a transition to snowfall, especially under prolonged heavy precipitation,” Keng added.
Temperatures, which will remain in the range of 15 – 18°C on February 19, are expected to drop below 7°C on February 20. The Pir Panjal range is expected to receive heavy snowfall, affecting areas such as Gulmarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali, and other parts of Mughal Road, Keng added.
Due to higher temperatures, lightning and thundershowers may remain a common feature on that day, especially in Jammu region. There is a risk of shooting stones/landslides on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on 20th February. Weather is expected to improve from 21st February onward,” he said.
