Srinagar, June 12: Union Minister for Central Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar said on Thursday that India will fully benefit from the current suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to increase its infrastructure.
Khattar was speaking media in Srinagar after a review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Union Minister said, “Now that the Indus Water Treaty is suddenly, we have to take full advantage of it.”
Khattar emphasized the importance of the ability of Jammu and Kashmir for hydroelectric power generation due to its mountainous terrain.
He emphasized that the government would increase the capacity of existing infrastructure projects, especially those who are currently under construction.
Khattar further revealed that the Center is also considering several new projects, which could be started due to IWS suspension.
“We are searching for new possibilities,” he said.
The IWT was suspended by New Delhi, a day after the attack on tourists in Pahalgam on 22 April, killing 26 people.
The Union Minister praised J&K for his significant progress in the power sector, especially in adopting smart and prepaid smart meters, putting it ahead of other states.
He said, “In the field of smart meter and prepaid smart meters, Jammu and Kashmir have taken a lead over all other states. In fact, it has become the number one in the country,” he said.
However, the minister admitted that J&K still faces challenges, especially in power distribution and energy loss. “AT & C (total technical and commercial) disadvantages are higher than the national average, but the rate at which they are being reduced are commendable,” he said.
He also talked about financial intervals in the power sector, especially the difference between the average cost (ACS) and average revenue (ARR) of the supply, which is above the national average.
“There has been enough improvement in the last four years, but more work is required,” he said. (Agencies)