Kishtwar, one of the largest districts of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of area with rich flora and fauna and nourished by the mighty Chenab River. The district has emerged as a hub of hydroelectric power projects,with several projects under-construction to transform into the “Rising Power Hub of India.” However, the extensive reach of river Chenab over the district significantly boosted the capability to generate hydroelectricity.
It holds a huge potential of generating electricity from water and several projects are currently under-construction, which will generate thousands of megawatts (MW) of electricity over operation, not only for J&K but for different states of India. Meanwhile, the operational and oldest power project of Kishtwar is Dul-Hasti which generates 390MW of electricity since the year 2007. Besides this, under-construction projects are Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, Ratle and Kirthai which will emerge Kishtwar as giant contributor to India’s energy sector.
However, among the upcoming projects, Pakal Dul, currently under construction, is estimated to generate 1,000 MW and the Ratle hydroelectric plant will contribute 850 MW as they both stand as macro-scale projects.While other smaller-scale projects like Kwar, Kiru and Lower Kalnai are slated to add 1,212 MW combined. All of these plants will sustain on the river Chenab for operations. For time being, it is hoped that over the completion of all these projects, Kishtwar is set to lead in the energy sector and bring some relief to its people ,who still demand free electricity.
Kishtwar’s cry for free electricity
Kishtwar,being a lone district to have several hydroelectric plants, projected one measure player to contribute to the country’s energy sector in future. Apart from the under-construction power plants, the district generates 390MW of electricity from the operational Dul Hasti plant.Whereas, the aspirations of people towards free electricity remain unfulfilled and suppressed. However, the district, having immense potential for hydroelectricity and having an operational plant, people still cry for free electricity.
Following a call by social activists, media persons, influencers for peaceful agitation, the public was urged to raise their concern before the administration to ensure free electricity to the district,which is the hometown to several power plants.However, after several processions people joined the protest under the slogan ‘Hanari Bijli Hamko Do’. Meanwhile the District Magistrate imposed restrictions on unauthorized gatherings,citing the need to maintain public order. However,the principal session judge of Kishtwar put the same order under ‘stay’, and eventually the momentum built by the public towards the cause was halted and it never regained.
CSR Needs to Go Beyond Papers
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a contribution made voluntarily by companies to a better society and a cleaner environment remains lost in the kishtwar.Meanwhile the Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 makes mandatory for several companies with huge turnover,net worth and net profit to spend over these social responsibilities. Unfortunately, development using these resources remains limited to offices and papers.While ground reflects its reality,it is profound with unfulfilled promises.
Faisal Hussain, a political leader and DDC member, had told me in December 2023, ‘Effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices are essential for sustainable development.’
In the midst of Kishtwar town, a large ground named Chowgan attracts a huge local populace and is one of the major public spaces.However, the ground lacks several basic facilities that a recreational park should have, such as water coolers, new benches, and beautification through the planting of a variety of flowers.Investment of CSR funds in places like Chowgan would improve public convenience and provide several facilities, alongside the efforts of the governing body, the Kishtwar Development Authority (KDA).
Similarly,there are several tourist places which require investment to attract a huge populace with different facilities, sustainable models which focus on preserving local flora and fauna.
For people in Kishtawar, the district should be given free electricity, not as a gesture of gratitude but because the people genuinely deserve it,having provided their resources for exploitation.
The unfair and unjustified charges for electricity usage within the district not only deprive people of their rightful share but also raise a serious concern: are they not valued enough to receive free electricity, despite being part of an emerging leader in India’s energy sector?
Ayaan Saroori is a student, freelance writer and columnist. He can be mailed at ayaansaroori8@gmail.com
