J&K Small Hydropower Sector Welcomes Union Government’s Twin Initiatives for Sustainable Energy Development and Disaster Resilience
Muddasir Mir Nazir Expresses Gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and MNRE Minister Prahlad Joshi
Srinagar June 09: Muddasir Mir Nazir, President of the Jammu & Kashmir Small Hydropower Association (JAKASH) and Executive Member of the Federation of Indian Small & Micro Hydro Power Stations (FISH), has welcomed two significant initiatives of the Government of India that are set to strengthen both the growth and resilience of the small hydropower sector in Jammu & Kashmir and the wider Himalayan region.
The first is the Union Cabinet’s approval of the ₹2,584.60 crore Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period 2026–2031, aimed at adding approximately 1,500 MW of new small hydro capacity across the country. The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance of up to ₹3.6 crore per MW for projects located in international border districts, making Jammu & Kashmir a major beneficiary. The initiative is expected to attract investments of nearly ₹15,000 crore and generate substantial employment in remote and hilly regions.
The second initiative is the decision announced under the guidance of Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to expand Early Warning System coverage from 30 to 60 high-risk glacial lakes across the Himalayan region, including Jammu & Kashmir, with support from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The initiative will significantly strengthen preparedness against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose a serious risk to hydropower infrastructure and mountain communities.
Muddasir, who was present at the launch of the SHP Scheme website at Akshay Urja Bhavan, New Delhi, thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership in promoting clean, reliable and decentralized renewable energy in remote regions.
“These decisions demonstrate the Government’s holistic approach towards the Himalayan region. While the Small Hydro Development Scheme creates new opportunities for investment, employment and energy security, the expanded early warning network enhances the safety and resilience of hydropower projects and local communities. Together, they provide a strong foundation for sustainable hydropower development in Jammu & Kashmir.”
Muddasir also expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for his continued focus on the development and safety of Jammu & Kashmir and to Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Prahlad Joshi for championing the interests of the small hydropower sector.
The Jammu & Kashmir Small Hydropower Association reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), JKSPDC, JAKEDA, NDMA and all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of these transformative initiatives and to unlock the vast hydropower potential of the Union Territory.
