Srinagar, May 31 (IANS) Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NHPC, Bhupender Gupta, on Sunday successfully carried out the first blast for the construction of the 240-MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project in the Uri area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

A major milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector was achieved with the successful execution of the first blast for the 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project by NHPC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Bhupender Gupta on Sunday, marking the formal commencement of key construction activities.

The development is being viewed as significant for the region’s energy infrastructure, with the project expected to strengthen power generation capacity and contribute towards long-term energy security.

Officials associated with the project said the successful first blast signals the beginning of major construction work under the Uri-I Stage-II Hydro Electric Project.

The hydroelectric project is expected to augment electricity generation and improve energy availability, particularly as Jammu and Kashmir continues to pursue the expansion of its power infrastructure.

The project forms part of broader efforts aimed at harnessing hydropower potential and reducing dependence on external power supply sources.

Officials said the commencement of construction activities marked an important stage in the implementation of the project. The 240 MW project is expected to play a key role in enhancing generation capacity and supporting future power requirements in the region.

NHPC already operates six major hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir with a combined installed capacity of 2,250 MW. These include Salal HEP (690 MW) in Reasi district, Uri-I HEP (480 MW) in Baramulla district, Uri-II HEP (240 MW) in Baramulla district, Dulhasti HEP (390 MW) in Kishtwar district, Kishanganga HEP (330 MW) in Bandipora district and Sewa-II HEP (120 MW) in Kathua district.

NHPC is also executing multiple large-scale projects in Jammu and Kashmir, largely through joint ventures such as Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) and Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL). These include the Pakal Dul project (1,000 MW) on the Marusudar River in Kishtwar district, the Ratle project (850 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, the Kiru project (624 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district and the Kwar project (540 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district.

For the Dulhasti Stage-II and Uri-I Stage-II projects, NHPC has approved a major investment programme for capacity expansion, with the two projects together targeted to add another 500 MW of generation capacity.

–IANS

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